The IMO’s NCHD Committee has voted to give its full support to junior doctors in Poland, who are protesting against poor pay and conditions, and inadequate healthcare funding, with some engaging in hunger strike due to the severe nature of health system’s deficiencies.

The Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists has stated that the protest action follows several unsuccessful appeals to the government to take action on the unacceptably low level of public expenditure on health. The body also has stated that current level of expenditure does not cover the justified needs of the population and is insufficient to ensure proper working conditions for health care professionals.

The IMO’s NCHD Committee calls on the Polish government to urgently address this crisis by working with Polish junior doctors towards a solution.