A provision that allows NHS physicians to provide services in the private sector was the focus of attention on the first day of a bill entitled “Secondary Care, Medical Education, NHS Physician and Dentist Pay Procedures” by the relevant parliamentary committee.

“The goal of the NHS is not full and exclusive employment of doctors. The goal of the NHS is to provide quality healthcare services to all patients and to have doctors in hospitals who are happy with how they work and how they work,” said Asimina Gaga, current Deputy Minister of Health.

Responding to criticism from the opposition of the bill’s controversial Section 10, Ms Gaga said there is already an important private healthcare sector, while the NHS already has night clinics that patients pay for, “and too many patients choose to do so.” There is a reason. No, because we don’t have a morning clinic.”

He noted that in 2012 under the Ministry of Loverdos it was possible to conclude block contracts with individuals, and that these contracts were used under the government of SYRIZA.

“So we had private doctors who were also in private practice on the NHS all these years.”

He criticized the opposition speakers, stating: “You say that if we allow more flexible relationships, more free relationships, all doctors will be doing customer service, not doing their job, and they will send patients to private practice.” Isn’t that dishonesty?

Regarding the opposition’s assessment “that the whole world is against the bill”, he said that “I talk to hospital doctors and visit hospitals every day. I have a completely different opinion. We have to see what the real picture is, and I reiterate that no one, no one is forcing anyone to take part-time jobs, attend day clinics, or do any work as a private individual.”

She even expressed her belief that “few doctors will be in private practice, but it’s important that both doctors and patients have a choice.”

MONKEY BEE