IMA to ease sanctions following request by Labor Court

Despite wage dispute, doctors' union decides to change its formula of sanctions to prevent the “immediate collapse” of the health system.

By JUDY SIEGEL ITZKOVICH
doctors operation generic 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
doctors operation generic 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Despite its current wage dispute with the government, the Israel Medical Association has decided next week to change its formula of sanctions applied in the public hospitals and community facilities, to prevent the “immediate collapse” of the health system.
The IMA gave a positive answer to National Labor Court President Nili Arad, who asked for mitigation of the sanctions. On July 1, the IMA ordered its members to “work to rule” due to the lack of any progress in negotiations since the labor dispute began three months ago.
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The IMA said, “Already, after only a week of this, it seems that the health system is unable to function and the closing of departments and even hospitals are a matter of days away.”
Out of concern for their patients and a willingness to respond to Arad’s request, the IMA decided to change the formula of sanctions.
IMA chairman Dr. Leonid Eidelman said, “This is yet another time when the doctors, out of their great responsibility, have acceded to the labor court’s request. We return and call on the prime minister to show leadership and intervene in the dispute and bring significant reform in the health system for the benefit of the people.”
On Sunday, there will be no outpatient clinics, diagnostic institutes or day hospitals functioning in the top half of the country. On Monday, these will not operate in the bottom half of the country. On Tuesday, only oncological and urgent operations will be performed, while the rest of the health system will function normally.
On Wednesday, there will be a general strike in the form of a minimal Shabbat schedule (unless there is an announcement to the contrary).
On Thursday, all activities will function normally.