Are family physicians on strike, when will it end? Why are family physicians on strike? How long will the strike last?

Today, the question of whether family physicians are working and whether community health centers are open has taken its place on the agenda. Family medicine staff held a 3-day work stoppage at the beginning of November against the performance-based "Family Medicine Payment and Contract Regulation." Now, the staff has decided to stop working for another 5 days. Following this decision, the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and the Family Medicine Employees Union (AHESEN) made consecutive statements. Citizens are searching for answers to questions such as, "Is there a family physician strike on Monday, December 2, and when will they stop working?" Here are the details...

ARE FAMILY PHYSICIANS ON STRIKE TODAY, ARE THEY WORKING, WHEN WILL THEY STOP WORKING?

Family medicine staff held a 3-day nationwide work stoppage at the beginning of November against the performance-based "Family Medicine Payment and Contract Regulation" prepared by the Ministry of Health.

Now, family medicine staff have decided to stop working again. The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) announced that family physicians will stop working for 5 days between December 2 and December 6, 2024.

In the statement made by the TTB, it was said, "We are warning the Ministry of Health. We do not accept this situation. Our actions will continue until the 'Persecution Regulation' is withdrawn. For our professional honor and public health; we announce to the Ministry of Health and the public that we will stop working for 5 days between December 2 and December 6, 2024."

In line with the decision taken, family medicine staff will stop working for 5 days starting today.

"REGULATIONS MUST BE HALTED"

Family Medicine Employees Union (AHESEN) Chairman Dr. Ahmet Kandemir stated that the current regulation contradicts the fundamental principles of family medicine and will further deepen the existing crisis in the healthcare system.

"Thousands of family physicians, midwives, nurses, and healthcare workers are on the verge of resigning. Regulations such as charging for health reports at family health centers and performing traditional medical practices like cupping at these centers weaken preventive health services, which are the primary function of the family medicine system. When the family medicine system is operated properly, 80-85% of health problems can be solved. We saw the success of family health centers in every moment of crisis, from the pandemic to the earthquake. However, unnecessary workload and inadequate regulations prevent citizens from accessing basic health services. The 5-day work stoppage is being held for the rights of both citizens and healthcare workers. It is essential that these regulations be halted for the health of our patients. If we want to fix the healthcare system, regulations must be issued that are in harmony with the physicians, midwives, and nurses in the field."

WHEN WILL FAMILY PHYSICIANS RETURN TO WORK?

The family physicians' strike will end on Friday, December 6. Therefore, it is expected that the physicians will return to their duties on Monday, December 9.