Doctors in Spain went on strike yesterday and will keep it up until including the 12th, demanding their own Framework Statute, looking to improve their working conditions, amongst othe things.

Those other things include a 35-hour working week, better social-security contributions for on-call shifts, and clear limits to their shifts.

This is because of an excessive workload and a lack of recognition for their work, especially in the face of a flu outbreak that is complicating the situation in hospitals.

They have been negotiating with the Ministry of Health for years without reaching an agreement, and this year’s early peak in the flu season, with emergency rooms overflowing, has added to the pressure already in place.

To this end, they have called for four days of strikes (9th-12th) and protests at hospitals and health centres.

How does this affect patients? Emergency rooms are impacted, with long waits and beds being set up in hallways. People are asked to attend appointments with their primary care physician only if necessary, unless advised otherwise.

Summing up, this is a protest against the precarious working conditions in the sector, coinciding with a critical moment (flue epidemic) for the healthcare system.

Editorial comment: this affects doctors in the public sector only.

(News: Spain)

Keywords: Doctors, Strike, Workload, Flu Season, Overtime, Social Security, Ministry of Health

news, spain, doctors, strike, workload, flu season, overtime, social security, ministry of health