Thousands of doctors and nurses have gone on strike in Portugal to protest against cuts in the health budget.
The health ministry has warned that as many as 4,500 operations and 400,000 appointments may be cancelled.
The government has promised to reduce its budget deficit as part of the £65bn EU-IMF bailout deal agreed in May last year.
Unions say the measures, which include higher prescription charges, will affect the poorest in society.
They complained that some doctors are working excessive hours and object to the use of private companies to provide public services.
Source: Punch
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