The protest, part of a series of indefinite intermittent strikes called in the region, brought together numerous healthcare professionals, mostly in white coats. Participants carried a banner with the slogan “For a Proper Statute for the Medical and Faculty Profession” and chanted slogans directed at the Minister of Health.
“"Healthcare professionals do not want to be on strike, but they also do not accept a regulation that, in their opinion, does not recognize the uniqueness of their work."
The strike organizers are demanding working hours comparable to those of other healthcare categories and conditions that allow them to practice their profession with dignity, without jeopardizing the health of the doctors themselves. Warnings have been issued about the high risk of professional burnout, drug use, suicide, and abandonment of the profession.
The stoppages are scheduled to continue until Thursday, April 30, maintaining their intermittent nature. The initial phase foresees one week of strike per month until June, with new calls scheduled from May 18 to 22 and from June 15 to 19.
The Strike Committee has asked the Government President to personally take over negotiations to resolve the conflict. Medical representatives believe that the Minister of Health is no longer a valid interlocutor and that the problem now extends beyond the scope of the Ministry of Health.
Protest actions will continue this Wednesday outside Getafe Hospital and on Thursday at 12 de Octubre Hospital, both at 10:00 AM. The main demonstration this Wednesday afternoon will take place in front of the Ministry of Health, starting at 6:30 PM. Additionally, a meeting is planned for Thursday, April 30, between the Madrid Strike Committee and officials from the General Directorate of Human Resources of the Madrid Health Service. The Minister of Health has indicated that the Community of Madrid is working on improvements for the remuneration of overtime for doctors and healthcare professionals.
