By Yannis Anifantis

SYRIZA and PASOK filed an objection of unconstitutionality to article 65 of the Ministry of Health’s psychiatric reform bill, at the beginning of its debate in the Plenary of the Parliament.

“SYRIZA – PS files an appeal of unconstitutionality for article 65 of the bill under discussion, in particular regarding the sanction it provides for doctors who are excluded from access to the electronic prescription system”, stressed from the SYRIZA benches the Dionysis Kalamatianosreferring to the provision that imposes penalties on those private doctors who do not assist in the on-calls of NHS hospitals, when this is deemed necessary.

Dimitris Manzos from PASOK characterized article 65 as a “legally incorrect and completely contrary to the spirit and letter of the Constitution” provision, submitting an additional request for a roll call vote on the principle and on the disputed article.

Mrs. Fotiou from the New Left also took the floor, supporting the objection.

Earlier, however, answering a topical question, Mr Adonis Georgiades clarified that no provision for requisitioning of private practitioners would apply as the loopholes were filled.

“The doctors have already turned their backs, five doctors said they will go to the hospitals. We will not need to apply the article, as long as our cooperation is going well”, the Minister of Health emphasized, among other things.