Doctors and medical workers of the National Children’s Hospital “Emilian Cotaga” Tuesday picketed the head office of the Health Ministry, demanding abrogating the order that provides for the merger between the institution and the Mother and Child Center.

Victor Benu, chairman of the Trade Union “Sanatate”, has told IPN that the doctors are dissatisfied as they may be made redundant as a result of this reform. After the merger, “Emilian Cotaga” Hospital will lose its status and will become a section of the Mother and Child Center.

Victor Benu also said that the doctors from “Emilian Cotaga” have received the salaries for the last three months with delay. They are determined to continue protesting until the order is abrogated.

However, Ion Ciochina, head of the Ministry’s Law Division, stated for IPN that the order cannot be abrogated as it took effect on February 1. The medical institutions can be separated only by Government Decision, after the Ministry drafts a relevant bill. Ion Ciochina said the Ministry will submit such a bill, but it’s not known when the executive takes a decision.