Rising Demands of Doctors on March 14 Medicine Day
Every year, March 14 Medicine Day is celebrated as an important day to celebrate the sacrifices of doctors and healthcare professionals. However, this year, due to the injustices in the healthcare system and difficult working conditions, this special day has become a symbol of seeking rights. The Doctors' Union Union attracted attention with its work stoppage action this year. Doctors are standing against the denial of their rights and are fighting to receive compensation for their labor.
Demands of the Medical Association Union
The General President of the Doctors' Union, Hatice Çerçi Balcı, stated in her statement, "Doctors cannot be forced to work by ignoring their rights and bringing them to the point of exhaustion." Balcı stated that doctors must fight strongly and said, "For a healthy future, strong doctors and a fair system for strong doctors are essential."
Difficulties in Working Conditions
The challenges faced by physicians are not limited to economic problems. Excessive patient density, insufficient resources and unsafe work environments negatively affect physicians' motivation. Dentists, in particular, face problems such as daily appointment limits and low incentive distribution rates. This situation causes both physicians to burn out and prevents patients from receiving quality service.
Violence and Security Issues
Violence in the healthcare field causes doctors to work in unsafe environments. The Doctors' Union states that the necessary measures are not being taken to prevent violence in healthcare. It is stated that "The Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS), while aiming to make it easier for patients to make appointments, has increased the burden on doctors." Such practices reduce the work efficiency of doctors and endanger the health of patients.
Work Stoppage Action and Community Support
The work stoppage action held on March 14 Medicine Day is an indication of the quest for rights not only by physicians but by all healthcare workers. Özgür Öz, Deputy Chairman of the Doctors' Union, drew attention to the quest for social support by saying, "We are no longer silent against the disregard of our labor, the deterioration of our working conditions and the discrediting of our profession."
Call for Unity among Physicians
Helin Bağcı, Deputy Chairman of the Physicians’ Union, called on physicians to unite and said, “Unity is strength.” She emphasized that physicians need to be in solidarity in order to overcome the problems in the healthcare system. The call, “Come, let’s unite,” reveals the importance of solidarity among healthcare professionals.
Medical Schools and Education Quality
Çağlar Yıldırım, Deputy Chairman of the Doctors' Union, stated that medical schools that are opened in an uncontrolled manner are harming the quality of the medical profession. He stated that schools with insufficient academic staff and infrastructure are reducing the quality of medical education. He emphasized that an education policy that is suitable for the needs of the health system should be created by saying, "The first condition for training qualified doctors is to ensure the quality of education."
Physicians' Demands and Future Vision
Doctors in Türkiye want to work in an ideal health system that is free from violence and where their demands for a single-item salary are met. Inspired by Atatürk’s words, “Entrust me to Turkish doctors,” doctors continue their struggle to protect their professional honor. Their struggle for a fairer, safer and higher quality health system will continue.
Conclusion
This action initiated by doctors on March 14, Medicine Day, could be a turning point in solving the problems in the health system. Taking into account the demands of health workers is of vital importance for the health of both doctors and society. Doctors acting in unity will be the greatest power in this struggle.
