Tbilisi Republican Hospital staff reject Health Ministry offers, rally against clinic demolition

The healthcare professionals from Tbilisi Republican Hospital on Thursday gathered in the clinic’s yard to protest the Ministry of Health’s offers, following a government mandate to demolish the hospital’s building.

Employees have until February 5 to choose from four options, all of which have sparked dissatisfaction. The offers include submitting a resignation letter to receive 12 months’ compensation, provided they do not secure employment elsewhere; submitting a resignation letter to receive four months’ compensation if they find alternative employment, refraining from submitting a dismissal decision and accept employment in the same position in another clinic, along with four-month compensation within seven days of signing the contract, or If a similar position in another clinic is not offered, receiving compensation equivalent to their salary for up to three years until reemployment in another organization.

Doctors argue that none of these options guarantees their unconditional employment and that the requirement for an official document from the Revenue Service to prove they have not received compensation from other institutions adds an “unnecessary burden”.A big portion of rallying medical workers also emphasized their role in the educational process at universities. Losing their positions at the republican hospital, they argue, would also mean losing their roles at the university, as their lectures include practical courses for students in the clinic.  

While acknowledging the importance of modernizing the clinic with new equipment, the protesting doctors firmly express their refusal to halt operations. They find it unacceptable to receive compensation in exchange for leaving their service and reject all four offers from the Ministry. Their intention is to persist in their actions until the abrupt decision to demolish the clinic’s buildings is reconsidered, and they are included in the decision-making process.

The doctors plan to gather at the Ministry of Health’s building to further voice their concerns and objections on Friday.