Europe's healthcare system hangs by a thread – a reality Slovakia knows too well
06 November 2024
As of 4 November, over half of the doctors from 30 hospitals across Slovakia have submitted their resignation in a sweeping protest. If these 3200 resignations proceed, it could paralyse hospital operations nationwide. The crisis stems from chronic issues in Slovakia's healthcare system: overtime work, burnout, low pay, inadequate facilities, and millions of euros that go into the healthcare system without reaching patients' needs.
The healthcare system is a 'ticking bomb' across Europe. Although there have never been as many medical workers as today, the demand exceeds the supply, noted the World Health Organization. This September, doctors in Sweden went on strike for the first time in 16 years while at the beginning of the year, Slovenia's doctors went on their longest strike in the country's history. Germany is facing staff shortages and ageing medical workers while the young ones are leaving for countries such as Switzerland, Denmark or Sweden where they have higher wages for fewer hours.
 | Barbora Labudová Doctors' strikes and resignations are not uncommon in Slovakia. The current one echoes a series of resignations which occurred in 2011 and 2022. And in a time when the healthcare system is collapsing once again, prime minister Fico stated that healthcare is not an issue that the PM needs to pay attention to. |
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