Portugal's doctors are as disillusioned with government paymasters as teachers. In fact, their demonstrations look almost exactly the same, with messages on placards depressingly familiar. Image: José Sena Goulão/ Lusa
Portugal's doctors are as disillusioned with government paymasters as teachers. In fact, their demonstrations look almost exactly the same, with messages on placards depressingly familiar. Image: José Sena Goulão/ Lusa

7th meeting with government ends with doctors declaring new strike date

The 7th meeting with the ministry of health has ended today with ‘discontent of union representatives’, a new strike being scheduled and further recriminations about the government’s “insensitivity”. FNAM, the federation of doctors, will be striking again on October 17 and 18, insisting that the government is “legislating unilaterally” without agreement with the unions. This latest development highlights fears expressed recently by the Order of Physicians. FNAM has previously scheduled strikes for November 14 and 15, which are still expected to go ahead.