90 percent of Icelanders would like more government spending to go to health care, reports the National Broadcasting Service.
A new survey conducted by Capacent Gallup for the Pirate Party asked people to prioritise a list of areas of government spending. The survey shows that health was a first and second choice for most, making it the top priority.
According to the survey only 43 percent of those who voted for the Progressive Party and 47 percent of those who voted for the Independence Party (that now make up the coalition government) put health as their first or second choice, while 60 percent of those who voted for the Social Democratic Alliance and Left-Green Movement made health their priority.
Over the past months Icelandic doctors have staged a series of two day-long strikes pressing for higher pay and improved work conditions. Spending cuts have resulted in understaffed hospital wards and less pay for doctors and nurses. A growing number of doctors at the National University Hospital have already handed in their resignation and are seeking work overseas.
Negotiations between the Government and the doctors have as of yet to be scheduled.
90 percent of Icelanders would like more government spending to go to health care, reports the National Broadcasting Service.
A new survey conducted by Capacent Gallup for the Pirate Party asked people to prioritise a list of areas of government spending. The survey shows that health was a first and second choice for most, making it the top priority.
According to the survey only 43 percent of those who voted for the Progressive Party and 47 percent of those who voted for the Independence Party (that now make up the coalition government) put health as their first or second choice, while 60 percent of those who voted for the Social Democratic Alliance and Left-Green Movement made health their priority.
Over the past months Icelandic doctors have staged a series of two day-long strikes pressing for higher pay and improved work conditions. Spending cuts have resulted in understaffed hospital wards and less pay for doctors and nurses. A growing number of doctors at the National University Hospital have already handed in their resignation and are seeking work overseas.
Negotiations between the Government and the doctors have as of yet to be scheduled.
