Illustrative stock photo (source: Sme - Tomáš Benedikovič)
Following an announcement that all first-line workers should receive a bonus for risking their lives during the coronavirus pandemic on August 14, PM Igor Matovič (OĽaNO) said on August 17 that bonuses should not be given to doctors. He stressed that the bonuses should go only to nurses, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and employers of nursing homes.
After a wave of criticism, he changed his statement a day later.
Matovič lives in a world different from the one where we, medical workers, doctors and patients live, said President of Slovak Medical Chamber (SLK), Marian Kollár.
Moreover, doctors became even more angry after the prime minister said that they earn enough to receive no bonus.
They are now asking Matovič for a public apology, the Sme daily reported.
Health minister had to explain
Matovič explained on Facebook that he changed his mind after discussing the situation with Health Minister Marek Krajčí (OĽaNO).
“I originally thought that medical workers except for nurses are in a different package,” Matovič continued, adding that Krajčí told him he was wrong and that the “other package” contains remuneration for hygienists.
