Slovakia's healthcare system is facing a dire crisis as doctors in the country are resigning in protest against poor working conditions, insufficient funding and relatively low salaries.
Over 3,000 doctors are set to resign on the New Year's Eve because of their frustrations with the government.
"We would like the state to pay more money to hospitals. So the hospitals can then deliver better health care," said Martin Zakucia, a representative of the Medical Trade Union Association.
Doctors accuse the government of breaking promises.
In 2022, it signed a 13-point memorandum with the doctor's union that guaranteed wage increases, better training and improved hospital conditions.
But Martin Smetana, a healthcare economist, says those promises have been abandoned.
"I really hope we won't come to this point because this will end when the first patient dies who didn't have to die," he said.
Experts say public hospitals are experiencing staffing shortages and nearly 20 percent of new doctors choose to leave the country after graduation in search of better salaries abroad.
The Slovak government recently approved a wage boost to ease tensions. It raises pay for nurses but has left doctors feeling betrayed. They are demanding the 9.7-percent pay rise promised in 2022 instead of the 6.4-percent currently on the table.
Slovakia's government argues that cost-cutting is needed to meet budget requirements of the European Union, but doctors say the issue goes beyond pay.
They also say they are overworked in underfunded state hospitals, often dealing with outdated equipment and conditions that have worsened since the 2022 agreement.
With no end to the dispute in sight, the government has intensified pressure on doctors, recently introducing a bill threatening up to a year in prison for walkouts. It has left the public and patients stuck in the middle.
"I support the doctors because healthcare in Slovakia is in bad shape. We have few beds, old equipment and long waiting times," said a patient.
"I understand why they're unhappy. They have valid reasons, but I hope both sides can find a solution," said another patient.
Negotiations between the government and the doctors' union have stalled. But if the resignations go through, it means that over half of the 6,000 doctors currently employed in Slovakia's hospitals will be out of work.
Slovakia faces healthcare crisis as large numbers of doctors resign
Slovakia faces healthcare crisis as large numbers of doctors resign
Slovakia faces healthcare crisis as large numbers of doctors resign
