Thousands of Russians protesters, including doctors and patients, have staged marches in Moscow and other cities on Sunday, criticizing the government’s plan to lay off thousands of doctors and close dozens of hospitals and clinics in the next few months.
Russian media reported that, as part of ongoing health care reform, more than 7,000 doctors could lose their jobs and 28 hospitals and clinics could be closed early next year. Protesters also demanded better wages and working conditions for doctors.
Authorities say the reforms can improve care by concentrating specialists in better hospitals, but doctors fear they are only intended to save money.
Tatyana, a doctor from Moscow, was among the protesters.
“Healthcare is falling apart, social care is falling apart, education is falling apart,” Tatyana said. “As a doctor I want to say that in the medical professions, salaries are being slashed. They (the authorities) take away all bonuses, but increase the amount of work.”
One woman, Natalya, who has a sick child, said, “I am here because these reforms do not give me a chance to get free treatment for my child anymore.”A Reuters cameraman estimated that as many as 3,000 people took part in the rare public protest, which was sanctioned by Russian authorities. Associated Press put the figure at 5,000. Moscow police told Russian news agencies that around 1,500 protesters had attended the march.
Similar protests against the reforms took place in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok and other Russian cities over the weekend, Russian news agencies reported.
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