Anesthesiologists delay more than 2,000 surgeries

Anesthesiologists have not yet reached a deal with Social Security System (Caja) officials. The ongoing strike by the doctors has postponed more than 2,000 surgeries.

The doctors are demanding better working conditions in operating rooms and more vacation time.

More doctors from throughout the country continue to join the two-week-long strike. The Caja has fired a pair of doctors on strike, and other dismissals are expected to follow.

A labor court in San José ruled the strike illegal last Wednesday. The decision means the doctors will face penalties for the days they haven’t worked. The Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday charged 12 anesthesiologists from Hospital San Juan de Dios, in San José, with disobeying an official Health Ministry order to return to work. If convicted, they face up to a year in jail. Charges could also be filed against 88 additional anesthesiologists.