Public hospital physicians are on strike today and will only attend to hospitalized patients and those arriving to the emergency rooms. Public hospitals have been one of the most notable victims of cuts in social services during the Mejia government. Patients now requiring services at the public health facilities must pay for virtually all supplies they will use during their stay. The Coordinadora Nacional de Salud that groups health care providers in the government public health sector called for a 24-hour strike at the public hospitals as well as at the social security (IDSS) clinics to demand better working conditions and 100% wage increases. President Mejia said on Sunday that the government does not have the funds for more wage increases. In January, the government increased public sector wages 9%. The Central Bank announced a 42% inflation rate for 2003.