Tens of thousands of Spanish health workers protest for better future

MADRID (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of health workers protested in Madrid on January 15, blaming conservative local governments for their destruction of the public health system.

Wearing white coats and beating drums, many shouted, “It’s a crime to undermine public health.”

The Madrid regional government, led by the People’s Party Isabel Ayuso, has come under attack in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, due to understaffing hospitals and primary health care centers.

Protesters say local governments are dismantling public health services and favoring private providers.

One protester, dressed as a grim reaper and carrying a fake scythe, held a sign that read, “I am Ayuso’s emergency ward plan.”

“We have about 40 to 50 patients a day, and we can give them about six minutes of time. The problem is that we cannot give them the right care.” Madrid told Reuters for 37 years.

Ayuso has denied accusations that her administration is dismantling public health services in favor of the private sector, and has launched a campaign ahead of this year’s local and local elections to undermine conservative local governments. He said the protests and strikes were orchestrated by left-wing parties. .

In November, tens of thousands of people marched through central Madrid to support health workers seeking better working conditions.

Reporting by Graham Keeley, Silvio Castellanos, Raul Cadenas Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky

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