I understand the dissatisfaction of young doctors, but it is very difficult for us to oblige hospitals, being commercial companies, to pay such salaries as the residents want. That is, if a hospital does not have the necessary financial resources, we will have to oblige it by law to find money and pay the salaries that the young doctors insist on. It simply would not be right. Therefore, our proposal is that salaries be tied to the collective labor agreement, which, however, is not approved by the protesters. This was stated on NOVA NEWS by the MP from “Ima takvi narod“ (ITN) Prof. Andrey Chorbanov.
The MP and member of the parliamentary health committee explained that several conversations on the topic were held with the protesting specialist doctors, who refused to commit to staying in Bulgaria, even if the state met their demands.
We asked them if the state gave them money in the form of scholarships, whether they would agree to stay and work here for at least five years, even in small towns. Their answer was categorical – “no“. That is, they want to get a specialty, but not make any commitment. Nowhere in the world do people train if they don't make some commitment on their part, commented Prof. Chorbanov.
He added that if they were to give a salary of 150% of the average for the country, which is what the young doctors are demanding, it would be quite logical to then give more money to the rest of the healthcare staff – doctors, nurses and all other medical specialists.
Regarding the president's veto on the changes to the Health Insurance Act, the deputy suggested that it will most likely enter the chamber for a second discussion next week.
The president's decision is based on a decision of the Constitutional Court. I believe that this time we will refine the texts so that they are not unconstitutional, Chorbanov explained.
On the topic of student fees, the MP explained that higher education is expensive everywhere and noted that in our country there is a student loan system, which, unfortunately, is used by very few students.
However, he assured that the parliament will continue to seek a lasting solution to the problem.