Health Minister says doctors salaries have increased by 36% in the last four years alone

On Friday Croatian Parliament adopted amendments to the Health Care Law and Mandatory Health Insurance Law. The Croatian Health Minister insists that the amendments to the two pieces of legislation, which represent the core tenets of the Croatian health care system, are the foundation for implementing structural reforms in the sector.

In response to Saturday’s protest by doctors calling for better working conditions and higher wages, Health Minister Vili Beroš issued an open letter in which he rejected most of the protester's objections. Minister Beroš noted that wages in the health care sector have increased by more than 36% in the last four years alone, and that the number health sector workers has increased by more than nine thousand since 2016.

Excerpt from the letter issued by Health Minister Vili Beroš: "We are aware that the health care system is not optimal and that it functions with a number of difficulties that have existed for decades, but we are determined to reform the system, which is why structural reforms have been established. Therefore, we ask once again what is being protested against? Against the fact that two basic health laws have just been adopted, which are the basis for improving the health system for both doctors and patients? Against the fact that the Ministry of Health adopted all the proposals tabled by professional associations, chambers and trade unions with regard to the proposed regulation on changes to doctor's coefficients? (...) Against the fact that the majority of doctors, in addition to regular work in public health, are allowed to do supplementary work in private institutions? Against the fact that we started preventive health examinations for the better health of our citizens and better treatment outcomes?"

On Friday Minister Beroš presented to the public a pilot project for preventive check-ups targeting citizens between the ages of 40 and 44, with the goal achieving better overall health in Croatia and better treatment outcomes through early detection.

Source: HRT