Doctors strike over Greek health service reforms

A mass strike by doctors and other medical field workers began today to protest proposed reforms to Greece's national health care system.

A mass strike by doctors and other medical field workers began today to protest proposed reforms to Greece's national health care system.

Only emergency cases were treated at public hospitals around the country as doctors and staff began a three-day work stoppage. They oppose proposed changes they fear could pave the way for privatizations in Greece's struggling public health care network.

Private doctors in the Athens area joined the strike with a two-day protest.

Medical professors have also stopped teaching, opposing a proposal to ban state-employed academics from operating private practices.

Some health and welfare ministry employees have been on strike since late November.