Why are family physicians going on a 3-day strike? Why are family physicians reacting? Why are doctors striking? Is there a statement from family physicians?

The Amendment to the Family Medicine Contract and Payment Regulation issued by the Ministry of Health is drawing backlash from healthcare professionals, as it is argued that it both lowers the quality of healthcare services and causes significant financial harm to the personal rights of family physicians.

As part of the decision taken by physician unions, family physicians from 81 provinces will collectively stop work.

WHEN WILL THE STRIKE TAKE PLACE?

Family physicians across Turkey have gone on a 3-day strike on November 5, 6, and 7 in protest against the new Family Medicine Regulation published in the Official Gazette. Doctors are carrying out the work stoppage action following the decision taken by the Federation of Family Physicians Associations.

Community health centers and Family Health Centers will not provide services during this period; only emergency cases will be attended to.

PHYSICIAN UNIONS REJECT THE REGULATION

Physician unions argue that the regulation is not qualified and are participating in this strike with demands such as reflecting salaries into retirement and a single-payment system. Doctors are calling for the improvement of their rights and the withdrawal of the regulatory changes.

The unions that have decided to strike are as follows;

Federation of Family Physicians Associations (AHEF)

Family Medicine Employees Union (AHESEN)

Federation of Family Health Workers Midwives and Nurses Associations (ASEF)

Primary Care Health Workers Union and Solidarity Union

General Health Work (Genel Sağlık İş)

Physicians Union (Hekim Birliği Sendikası)

Hekim-Sen

Health and Social Service Workers Union (SES)

Tabip-Sen

Association of All Radiology Technicians and Technicians (TÜMRAD-DER)

Turkish Medical Association (TTB)

Turkish Association of Family Medicine Specialists

It was announced that pharmacies will remain open during the strike and that dentists are not participating in the strike and will continue their operations.

The strike will end on Thursday, November 7. During the strike, it is recommended that patients apply to hospitals in case of emergencies instead of community health centers.

STATEMENT FROM FAMILY PHYSICIANS: 'LET THE MINISTRY GO AHEAD AND TERMINATE OUR CONTRACTS'

In an interview with 12Punto's Beste Çelik, Dr. Sercan Ahmet Uluç, General Secretary of the Istanbul Family Physicians Association (İSTAHED), made statements against the new Family Medicine Regulation.

Uluç said, ''It is stated that our employment contracts will be terminated if we stop work for 3 days. We are stopping work for 3 days, so let the ministry go ahead and terminate all of our contracts. We absolutely do not accept this regulation, which comes with such contract termination threats and wage loss arrangements, and we demand that it be withdrawn immediately.”