Greek doctors on 24-hour strike in protest of dismissal

Protesting the suspension of 2,500 healthcare workers in Greece, doctors went on Wednesday on a one-day strike across the country. As part of the strike launched by the Federation of Hellenic Hospital Physicians' Unions (OENGE), Greek doctors gathered before the Health Ministry and dispersed after shouting slogans. During the strike, public hospitals, health centers and the ambulance service in Greece will operate with skeleton staff on Wednesday. Doctors and nurses called for the action to protest the government's plans to place 2,500 healthcare staff in a mobility scheme which will lead to their transfer or suspension. They also protested plans to merge hospitals and departments, warning that the changes might be disastrous for the national health system. Issuing a written statement, OENGE blamed the Greek government for obeying the instructions of Troika (European Central Bank (ECB), European Commission (EC) and IMF) without further thinking.