Unfair Pension Cuts for Dedicated Family Doctors
Family doctor pension reductions addressed: Proposed resolutions by FNAM for rectification
In March, a group of 200 General and Family Medicine doctors sent a letter to the Ministry of Health, voicing their concerns about the legal implications of Family Health Unit (USF) doctors' retirement pensions. Specifically, they questioned the classification of Weighted Units (UP) and Team Performance Index (IDE) supplements as accessory remuneration, instead of being considered an integral part of the monthly salary.
These doctors argue that such classification creates wage disparities among doctors dedicated to the National Health Service (SNS), as these supplements are not counted towards their base remuneration, despite being an essential component of USF doctors' monthly income. The supplements should instead be paid as a fixed annual value, fourteen times a year, with deductions for the General Social Security Fund (CGA).
Two months following the initial letter and a subsequent union complaint, the National Confederation of Health (CNM) has spoken out strongly about the "scandalous pension cuts" for retiring family doctors, particularly those who committed fully to the SNS. They are dismayed by the Ministry's silence and have threatened legal action if the matter remains unaddressed.
On a note released today, the CNM asserted, "Two months after our initial warning, the silence from the competent entities is unacceptable. In response to this lack of respect and transparency, CNM has activated its Legal Departments to employ all available legal mechanisms, ensuring that no doctor will face undeserved penalties due to others' mistakes."
The CNM views the failure to act as further evidence of the systematic disregard for professionals who have dedicated their careers to the SNS. They have called for an urgent meeting with the Board of Directors of the General Social Security Fund to address this issue and restore legality.
The CNM emphasized, "We will not allow doctors who have given their all to the SNS to see their rights disrespected in retirement. We will not rest until this injustice is rectified."
Background
Weighted Units (UP) and Team Performance Index (IDE) are essential components of the compensation and evaluation framework for health professionals within the Brazilian public health system, particularly within the Family Health Program (Programa Saúde da Família). These measures assess workload and performance within the healthcare system, and can impact the remuneration and possibly the pension benefits of health workers.
For the most current legal status of these supplements and how they affect retirement pensions for doctors working in Family Health Units, consult official Brazilian government or health department websites for the latest updates.
Additionally, read about the FNAM's accusations of poor governing of the health sector: Government Leaves Health in Shambles, Alleges CNM
- The Group of General and Family Medicine doctors has raised concerns about the Ministry of Health, questioning the classification of Weighted Units (UP) and Team Performance Index (IDE) supplements as accessory remuneration instead of an integral part of the monthly salary.
- The doctors argue that this classification creates wage disparities among doctors dedicated to the SNS, as these supplements are not counted towards their base remuneration, despite being an essential component of USF doctors' monthly income.
- The National Confederation of Health (CNM) has strongly spoken out against the "scandalous pension cuts" for retiring family doctors, particularly those who committed fully to the SNS, and has threatened legal action if the matter remains unaddressed.
- The CNM views the failure to act as further evidence of the systematic disregard for professionals who have dedicated their careers to the SNS and has called for an urgent meeting with the Board of Directors of the General Social Security Fund to address this issue and restore legality.
- Science and workplace-wellness, including health-and-wellness, mental-health, therapies-and-treatments, and medicare, are crucial for maintaining the well-being of all healthcare professionals, including those affected by this pension issue.
- To understand the most current legal status of these supplements and how they affect retirement pensions for doctors working in Family Health Units, consult official Brazilian government or health department websites for the latest updates.
