Tension rises in Madrid's healthcare system
The healthcare crisis in Madrid is at a critical point, as the medical strike led by the AMYTS union has taken a new turn. The recent decision by the anaesthetists at Hospital 12 de Octubre to suspend all voluntary extraordinary activities has only been the start of a series of actions that have led other 15 hospital services to follow suit. This measure, known as peonadas, has become a key tool to pressure the regional government and the Ministry of Health.
Support for this protest is rapidly growing among healthcare professionals, who express deep discontent with current working conditions. According to a survey conducted by AMYTS, more than 90% of doctors reject the draft of the Framework Statute proposed by the Ministry, considering it insufficient to address their needs. This discontent has led 45% of respondents to consider the possibility of calling for an indefinite strike after the summer.
Doctors have denounced the lack of willingness to negotiate from both the Ministry and the Community of Madrid. In their statement, the anaesthetists claimed they are unwilling to continue supporting a healthcare system they consider unsustainable without significant changes. The impact is already evident: from December to May, more than 215,000 outpatient appointments have been postponed, reflecting how the mobilisations are directly affecting healthcare provision.
Apart from the widespread rejection of the Framework Statute, another alarming statistic is that 80% of surveyed doctors believe that Mónica García should resign due to her management during this conflict. The Madrid councillor Fátima Matute is also facing severe criticism, with more than 54% calling for her resignation.
As protests intensify, so does the willingness among professionals to participate in demonstrations and rallies. A notable 61% expressed their intention to actively engage in future mobilisations, which could indicate a significant shift in the labour dynamics within Madrid's healthcare sector.
Despite the current chaos, AMYTS continues to insist on the urgent need to negotiate specific improvements for healthcare professionals. Among their demands are the implementation of a reduced working week of 35 hours and appropriate salary adjustments that reflect the daily effort made by these professionals.
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