Romanian PM apologizes to patients amid healthcare strike, calls protest 'based on lies'

Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan issued an apology to patients impacted by the ongoing healthcare strike, characterizing the protest as "based on lies and disinformation." He expressed his respect for healthcare workers, including assistants, doctors, and nurses, while criticizing the basis of their strike.

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I apologize to all patients for the discomfort they have experienced as a result of the strike. I give all my respect to the assistants, doctors, and nurses.

Bolojan addressed concerns regarding the new salary law, assuring that no public sector employee's earnings would decrease if the law is adopted. He stated that while some salaries are expected to rise, these increases must be sustainable and align with the Romanian economy's payment capacity to ensure predictable and equitable wages. He emphasized that salary hikes cannot be funded through loans.

The government's actions include approving a memorandum to organize competitions for vacant positions in public health units. This decision comes as the SANITAS union initiated an indefinite general strike, deeming the proposed salary law inequitable. Union leaders claim healthcare workers face pressure and that hospitals will only provide emergency and essential services during the protest.

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I believe this strike was based on lies and disinformation regarding what would happen if the Salary Law were adopted.

According to union representatives, approximately 30% of staff will remain on duty to guarantee life-saving activities in critical areas like emergency rooms, intensive care, and operating theaters. Non-urgent procedures will be postponed, resulting in an estimated interruption of 66% of hospital activities, while 33% will continue, particularly in critical care units. The union had previously warned of a full general strike if their demands were not met.

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If this law is adopted, no earnings in the public sector will decrease, as all ministers have assured. Some salaries should increase, but these increases cannot be made on the basis of loans, but only within the payment capacity of the Romanian economy, so that we have predictable and equitable salaries.