HUBOL: Doctors are retained by good management, working conditions, and incentives, not threats

The Croatian Association of Hospital Doctors (HUBOL) asserts that retaining physicians in public health institutions hinges on effective management, better working conditions, and genuine incentives, rather than threats or coercive contracts. The union responded to recent statements by directors of smaller county hospitals who suggested that healthcare services are maintained only by external doctors from larger facilities, as smaller hospitals are not attractive for permanent employment.

HUBOL views the directors' perspective as a mischaracterization of the problem, reducing the departure of young doctors after specialization to alleged "ingratitude." The union argues that the core issues are often poor work organization, excessive workloads, uneven distribution of tasks, lack of mentorship, mobbing, or administrative inaction on persistent departmental problems.

"Doctors cannot be retained by threats and punishments," HUBOL stated. "Doctors are retained by conditions in which they can work professionally, responsibly, and with dignity." This includes quality mentorship, fair work distribution, protection from mobbing, professional advancement, manageable workloads, and incentives for working in underserved areas.

The union places responsibility for healthcare accessibility on the state, the Ministry of Health, and hospital directors. They contend that a hospital's inability to retain doctors is a direct indicator of poor management within that institution. HUBOL also notes that many doctors move between public health institutions rather than leaving the public system entirely, meaning their expertise remains available to patients.