The Federation of Health Trade Unions of Moldova and the European Federation of Public Service Unions are drawing attention to the problem of overtime in the medical sector. According to the trade unionists, excessive overtime is a pressing problem, which affects health workers and has an impact on the health and safety of employees. The message was issued on the occasion of World Health Day, marked annually on April 7, IPN reports.

"Health systems across Europe are facing chronic understaffing, leading health professionals to work frequent, often unpaid or under-compensated overtime. This situation leads to burnout, increased risks for patients and affects the quality of care," reads a post by the Health Federation of Trade Unions.

Trade unionists emphasize that compliance with working time rules is essential to ensure a healthy work-life balance for medical workers.

Trade union representatives call on governments and employers to limit overtime and respect rest time in line with European and national legislation, to hire additional staff to reduce pressure on existing employees, and to increase investment in the health sector to ensure decent and safe working conditions.

Trade unionists also call for the efforts of health workers to be properly recognized and remunerated.

European trade unions and the Moldovan federation "Sanatatea" are campaigning for employees' rights and better working conditions. Healthcare workers are encouraged to take part in awareness-raising activities and make their voices heard "for a fair, sustainable and safe healthcare system for all".

This year, the slogan for World Health Day - the founding day of the World Health Organization - is "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures".