Dieese study reveals large salary losses for healthcare professionals and their impact on absenteeism

A recent study conducted by the Inter-Union Department of Studies and Statistics (Dieese), at the request of SindSaúde, revealed an alarming reality: Public Health Management and Assistance (GAPS) employees faced a seven-year salary reduction of 35.75 %; Health Specialists almost 30%, while Nursing Technicians saw their earnings decrease by 35.75%. Even more worrying is the scenario for doctors, who suffered a salary loss of more than 41%. This situation has led many professionals to seek opportunities in the private sector, exacerbating outsourcing and worsening the shortage of personnel in health units. The result is an unsustainable burden on the remaining professionals, contributing to mental and physical illness, both among workers and users of the healthcare system.

The health crisis in the Federal District is exacerbated by the Government’s negligence, which, according to a Metrópoles survey between 2022 and 2023, failed to invest more than R$1 billion of its own resources in the Unified Health System (SUS). As a result of this neglect, more than 300 lives were lost due to dengue, placing the DF as the leader in incidence. This lack of financial commitment seriously compromises the system’s ability to provide adequate health services to the population, worsening the crisis faced by health professionals and citizens who depend on the SUS for medical care.

According to Marcos Rogério, director of SindSaúde, salary losses directly impact the purchasing power of employees: “Health employees see their purchasing power reduced in all areas, from basic needs such as food and fuel to day-to-day expenses. day, leisure and education for themselves and their dependents. This generates great concern and directly interferes with health and professional life, especially for those who deal directly with patient care. The lack of quality of life resulting from these losses can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, psychiatric problems, heart attack, anxiety and others. These losses impact far beyond purchasing power; they compromise the possibility of a dignified life.”

However, the impact goes beyond salary and financial statistics.

Health professionals face not only physical challenges, but also emotional ones, combined with a lack of recognition and the absence of appropriate salary adjustments. It is crucial to highlight that this devaluation is not just an internal issue within the category; it has direct repercussions on the quality of health services provided to the population. Disengagement from activities is one of the consequences of the life of an unmotivated employee.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy nearly $1 trillion. In September 2022, the WHO and the International Labor Organization (ILO) called for concrete action to address concerns about the mental health of the working population. Institutions point to financial debt as one of the main risks to well-being.

Motivated by devaluation, many find themselves financially unstable and emotionally worn out, which makes them more likely to miss work. This reality not only burdens those who remain, but also directly harms the population’s access to necessary health care.

Therefore, it is essential that this issue receives due attention. Health workers are not only crying out for recognition, but also for decent working conditions. At a time of health crisis, such as the one faced by the Federal District, it is imperative that measures are taken to ensure that these professionals are not left to their own devices.

With this, SindSaúde calls on the entire category to participate in the general assembly that will be held on May 21st, at 10 am, at Clube da Saúde. Join this fight!

For a more detailed analysis of the salary gap according to different positions, we recommend reading the complete report prepared by the Inter-Union Department of Studies and Statistics (Dieese) at the request of SindSaúde. You can access the complete file at the end of the article.