Several doctors who are forming an independent syndicate to defend their interests said they have collected 500 signatures in support of the new body.
The group said it was prepared to face any legal challenges as it establishes itself as an alternative to the official Doctors Syndicate.
Enhancing working conditions, defending doctors’ interests and providing better service to patients are among the goals laid out in the founding statement, as well as involving doctors in policy making.
The new syndicate will take a democratic approach and conform to existing laws and professional ethics, the statement read. The syndicate also aims to resolve doctors’ financial problems and, in the wake of several attacks and break-ins, provide hospitals with better security.
Ahmed Hussein, a member of the independent syndicate, said the new union will work on achieving demands that have been ignored by authorities. He anticipated more doctors would sign on in support of the syndicate.
The syndicate founders plan to submit a request to the Manpower Ministry to register the body by the first week of September, Hussein said.
He said the syndicate would represent a moderate voice, advocating demands that the official syndicate has neglected, but being more conservative than some activist movements within the medical field.
Describing the move as an abuse of freedom, Doctors Syndicate Secretary General Abdel Fattah Rezq told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the official syndicate is considering the bid to establish an independent union and will challenge it in court if any legal violations are apparent.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
