An amendment to the labor code that has been eagerly anticipated by doctors has hit a roadblock due to disagreements among different groups of medical professionals, particularly regarding the issue of 24-hour shifts. The amendment, which was initially promised to be presented to the Parliament last week by the Minister of Labor, Marian Jurečka, and the Minister of Health, Vlastimil Válek, is currently delayed as the medical community struggles to reach a consensus on the proposed changes.

Ministers have been in negotiations with representatives of the Young Doctors Section of the Czech Medical Chamber (ČLK), who advocate for the proposed changes. However, the Young Doctors Association opposes these changes, creating discrepancies that could potentially jeopardize the fate of the amendment.

The crux of the disagreement centers around the allowance of 24-hour shifts for medical professionals. The Ministry of Health is working to find common ground among various groups of doctors who have different opinions on this issue. Vlastimil Válek, the Minister of Health, acknowledged that the agreement among doctors on whether to allow 24-hour work is unclear, and negotiations are ongoing to reach a consensus.

The Ministry of Health has stated that the amendment will be “submitted in the coming days.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor is processing the feedback it received from doctors during a working meeting. The Ministry’s press department mentioned that a large number of comments were raised, and they are working diligently to submit the amendment to the Parliament as soon as possible.

The Czech Medical Chamber and the Young Doctors Association have expressed differing views on the amendment. While the Medical Chamber, led by Jan Přáda, is mostly satisfied with the proposal, the Young Doctors Association has rejected it. They see a conflict between balancing family and professional life and the principles of relevant European directives when it comes to allowing 24-hour shifts. The association has also emphasized the need for special supplements and “adequate compensatory rest before and after 24-hour shifts.”

The disagreement among doctors highlights the complexity of addressing issues related to working conditions, especially in critical sectors like healthcare. While different opinions exist within the medical community, achieving a consensus that aligns with the public interest is essential. The amendment to the labor code, once finalized, will play a crucial role in shaping the working conditions of medical professionals in the Czech Republic. However, the delay in reaching a consensus underscores the challenges of addressing sensitive issues in the healthcare sector.

Article by Prague Forum