Antalya Provincial Health Director Prof. Dr. Behzat Özkan's Statements and Reactions
Antalya Provincial Health Director Prof. Dr. Behzat Ozkan, attracted attention with a statement he made recently. As a doctor for 30 years, he earned his own salary on the salary of a family doctor He claimed that he earned less in comparison. This statement sparked a huge debate in the health community and was criticized by many of his colleagues.
Background to the Statement
Prof. Dr. Özkan may have wanted to draw attention to the salary injustice in the health sector with these statements he made after his appointment from Dr. Behçet Uz Child Diseases and Surgery Training and Research Hospital in Izmir to the Antalya Provincial Health Directorate. However, this approach created serious discomfort among physicians.
Reaction from the Medical Association Union
Physicians' Union, gave a harsh response to Prof. Dr. Özkan's statements, saying, "Mr. Behzat Özkan, it is not a 30-year physician's salary, Salary of Provincial Health Director “We would like to remind you that you are receiving this salary.” This statement was made to emphasize how unfair the salaries of healthcare workers are.
Situation of Healthcare Workers
There are tens of thousands of doctors in the country and many of these doctors do not have the opportunity to become Provincial Health Directors like Prof. Dr. Özkan. Doctors mostly struggle to survive with salaries at the poverty line, and in addition, torture regulations, siiddet, are faced with tax burden and unfair working conditions. This situation negatively affects the motivation and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals.
Doctors' Struggle for Rights
If the situation of family physicians were really good, unions would not be established to fight for rights and there would be no actions in the field. While health workers are fighting for better conditions, Prof. Dr. Özkan's making such a comparison was perceived as an attempt to target his colleagues. The union stated that this situation was unacceptable.
Collegiality and Reputation Assassination
The Physicians' Union called on Prof. Dr. Özkan to "stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity against the reputation assassinations committed against physicians." Increasing solidarity among employees in the health sector is of great importance in terms of ensuring labor peace. Prof. Dr. Özkan's statement to correct this situation will be a critical step in this period when healthcare professionals need a boost in morale.
Conclusion
The statement made by Antalya Provincial Health Director Prof. Dr. Behzat Özkan had a wide impact in the health community. The difficulties and injustices faced by physicians become more visible with such comparisons. Steps to be taken to defend the rights of healthcare professionals and protect their reputation are of great importance for the future of the sector.
