Spanish doctors strike against health ministry statute reforms has begun with significant support across the country.
Medical professionals launched the first of four planned strike days on Tuesday, protesting against proposed changes to their national framework statute.
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The industrial action, organised by major unions CESM and SMA, saw participation rates varying dramatically between regions.
Widespread Support For Spanish Doctors Strike Against Health Ministry Statute Reforms
Union representatives declared the first day a success, claiming participation rates between 85% and 90% despite what they called “abusive minimum services” imposed by authorities. However, regional health departments provided significantly lower official figures, ranging from 35% in Cantabria to just 7.75% in La Rioja. This disparity highlights the ongoing dispute between medical professionals and government bodies.
Several regional governments governed by the Popular Party have openly supported the doctors’ demands. Consequently, they have called on the national Ministry of Health to reconsider its proposal. The strike represents the third such action in just six months, indicating growing frustration within the medical profession about working conditions and statutory recognition.
Regional Demonstrations And Specific Demands
Significant demonstrations occurred in major cities including Madrid and Barcelona. In the Catalan capital, approximately 800 doctors marched from the Government Delegation to Plaça Sant Jaume, carrying banners reading “It affects you too” in Spanish. They demanded the creation of a dedicated negotiation space with the regional government to discuss working conditions and organisational matters.
Similarly, around 700 medical professionals gathered in Madrid, marching from the Congress of Deputies to the Ministry of Health. Protesters there labelled Health Minister Mónica García a “traitor” for denying them a separate professional statute. The core demand remains a distinct framework that recognises the specificities of medical work, separate from other National Health System professionals.
Government Response And Ongoing Dispute
Following the Council of Ministers meeting, Minister García expressed her “maximum respect” for the strike action. Furthermore, she reiterated her willingness to negotiate, emphasising that the proposed reform of the 2003 statute aims to improve working conditions regarding shifts, on-call duties, and mobility. The Ministry maintains it has incorporated all relevant demands within its competency.
Regional health councillors from various autonomous communities have criticised the national proposal. The councillor from Cantabria stated it only generates conflict without solving the health system’s real problems. Meanwhile, this industrial action occurs alongside other significant pressures on public services, including a deepening cost of living crisis affecting many citizens. The strike is scheduled to continue for three additional days, with further demonstrations expected nationwide as doctors maintain their pressure for statutory reform.
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