Medics from Pirogov emergency institute in Sofia can start striking in demand for higher wages and better equipment the soonest after two weeks.

Pirogov director Spas Spaskov refused to sign the written agreement that will allow medics to work the minimal possible time during the strike, Novinar daily reported.

Spaskov said that he had legal reasons to refrain from signing the documents.

According to law, a medical strike is possible only in case the demonstrations do not threaten the health and life of people in need of medical aid.

Medics from Pirogov, together with lawyers, worked on the documents that envision minimum working hours, so that emergency aid is available all the time.

In case hospital management and the protesting medics fail reaching an agreement, arbitration will be needed. A decision has to be taken in 10 days.

Until a decision is taken, medics organise daily hour-long protests. More than 200 medics joined the demonstration on June 12. Protesters asked Health Minister Radoslav Gaidarski and Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev to meet them.