Doctors Demand Higher Salaries: Impact on Senior Care in the Public System

The College of Physicians of Romania has expressed serious concerns regarding the new public sector pay legislation, arguing that it fails to adequately recognise the responsibility and complexity of the medical profession.

Doctors' demands include higher salary coefficients across all professional grades, retention of the 100% supplement for weekend and bank holiday on-call shifts, and the prevention of pay reductions upon career advancement.

This situation could have a significant impact on the medical care of older people, who represent the largest patient group within the public health system. Elderly patients require specialist and continuous medical care, are frequently admitted to hospital, and rely heavily on emergency services.

Doctors' dissatisfaction with their remuneration could drive migration towards the private sector or abroad, thereby reducing the availability of qualified medical staff to care for elderly patients within the public system.

The College of Physicians emphasises that the current draft legislation does not reflect the lengthy duration of medical training, the high level of specialisation required, or the significant social impact of medical practice — all of which are essential considerations in caring for Romania's ageing population.