Turkish family physicians subject to pay cut over corona quarantine

Family physicians reportedly receive a pay cut for every day they spend under quarantine and are thus unable to work, the head of the Family Physicians Associations Federation (AHEF) said. “It’s degrading to have our paychecks cut, almost like a punishment for getting the virus when we as physicians are out there risking our lives to do our jobs,” AHEF Chair Özlem Sezen told daily Sözcü.

Duvar English

Family physicians reportedly receive a pay cut for every day they spend under quarantine and are thus unable to work, the head of the Family Physicians Associations Federation (AHEF) told Sözcü daily March 30. 

“It’s degrading to have our paychecks cut, almost like a punishment for getting the virus when we as physicians are out there risking our lives to do our jobs,” said AHEF Chair Dr. Özlem Sezen.

Zeitgeist Turkey | Episode 2: Coronavirus, economic survival mode and the political falloutZeitgeist Turkey | Episode 2: Coronavirus, economic survival mode and the political fallout

Family physicians do not have monthly salaries but instead are paid on a merit basis, depending on how many days they work with each month, how many patients they have in total, and how many pregnant or infant patients they have, Sezen noted. 

“Even right now, they’re asked to find a replacement for themselves. If not, they receive a pay cut,” Sezen added.

Merit-based payments victimize physicians, especially in the current crisis surrounding the coronavirus, Sezen said. 

Istanbul starts health, permit inspections on passengers arriving, leavingIstanbul starts health, permit inspections on passengers arriving, leaving