Warsaw, 16 December 1996 (RFE/RL) -- Doctors in Poland say they are prepared to continue a nationwide strike until Warsaw satisfactorily addresses their complaints. The National Doctor's Union over the weekend announced that its strike would not be widened before December 17. But the union said protests may be extended after that date.
As many as 40,000 Polish doctors are now involved in various forms of protest actions. They are demanding more pay and the reformation of health services in the country. Many are refusing to see patients except in emergency situations. Some are refusing to write out death certificates or to operate at government hospitals unless medical cases are life-threatening.
The doctors want to meet in separate talks with officials, but government negotiators have said that they must talk to all of the country's health personnel.