Argentina, April 11: The order for a police pullout in Argentina has triggered more protests by the country’s hospital workers, who feel the order threatens their workplace security.
The Municipal Medical Association organized a 24-hour strike for hospital workers from the capital of Buenos Aires’ 33 hospitals, a Media correspondent reported.
“Instead of having police forces guarding public buildings, we prefer to take them to the streets to improve the people’s quality of life, and keep the crime rate in check,” said Argentina Security Minister, Nilda Garre.
However, an employee of the Pinero Hospital has a different opinion.
“It is true that sometimes we are attacked by gang members, who seek treatment in this hospital, but the police pullout is because of a dispute between the city and the government,” said Alejandra Bozzini.
Police authorities have blamed the decision for the pullout on a rise in the number of violent attacks on officers in the city hospitals, while hospital workers say a recent growth in poverty and violence is behind the pullout.
Hospital workers have vowed to continue their strike if their needs are not met.
The situation may take a downward turn if provincial hospitals stage their fifth protest against poor working conditions and low salaries in two months.
——–Agencies