Spain doctors’ strike threat: public care faces new strain

Hundreds of thousands of medical appointments, diagnostic tests and operations have already been cancelled during earlier stoppages in Spain. Now a patient group warns that an open-ended doctors’ strike could put fresh pressure on public health care.

Mercedes López, president of the National Association of Patients in the Health System (ANPASS), has urged the government to withdraw the Estatuto Marco, a health-sector employment framework approved by the Cabinet and sent to Congress. She says ministers and unions must return to talks before the threatened strike goes ahead.

López called an indefinite walkout “catastrophic for public health care”. Previous strikes, she said, have lengthened waiting lists, reduced the standard of care and caused serious harm in a system already under heavy strain.

Patient group blames stalled talks

ANPASS says the Health Ministry escalated the dispute by submitting the Estatuto Marco to the Congress of Deputies. López accused the government of failing to negotiate with unions and of showing too little concern for patients.

The association has met union representatives to hear their demands and press for the widest possible negotiations. It has also sought meetings with Health Minister Mónica García and the Socialist Parliamentary Group in Congress, but neither request has yet led to a meeting.

Patients fear being caught in the dispute

López said health professionals need decent working conditions without political obstacles in their daily work. At the same time, she called for a public health service that protects patients’ interests.

ANPASS says users of Spain’s health system feel they are once again being held hostage by a dispute in which they have no say. Whether the government and unions can reach a deal before doctors call an indefinite strike remains unclear.

Topics: Court cases · Strikes · Jobs & labour · Health · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com