Tenerife Doctors Prepare for National Strike Over Healthcare Legislation Concerns

In a significant move, physicians in Tenerife are gearing up to participate in a national strike this December, driven by their opposition to a contentious draft bill that seeks to redefine the framework governing healthcare personnel in Spain.

Strike Details and Organization

The College of Physicians of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (COMTF) has officially announced its involvement in a national strike scheduled for December 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. This coordinated action is spearheaded by the Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions, which aims to address widespread concerns regarding the draft Bill of the Statutory Framework of Healthcare Personnel within the National Health System. The strike is expected to draw participation from medical professionals across the country, highlighting the urgency of the issues at hand.

Healthcare Professionals Voice Their Concerns

Medical professionals have raised alarm over the draft legislation, asserting that it fails to adequately reflect the responsibilities and qualifications that are essential to the medical profession. They contend that the proposed framework could severely undermine the National Health System’s capacity to attract and retain talent among healthcare workers. This sentiment was echoed in a recent press release, which underscored the potential negative impact on the quality of healthcare services if the bill is enacted.

The situation in the Canary Islands is particularly dire, as the region is grappling with an acute shortage of healthcare professionals. This crisis is compounded by a combination of poor working conditions, job instability, and inadequate compensation. Many specialists are opting to leave the islands for other regions or countries that offer better recognition of their skills and commitment to patient care. The potential passage of this draft bill could exacerbate these challenges, leading to further attrition in an already strained healthcare system.

Mobilization Efforts and Community Engagement

The College of Physicians has expressed strong support for the Medical Profession Forum’s stance on the draft bill, highlighting several critical deficiencies. Among these are the lack of adequate professional classification, ambiguous regulations regarding working hours, and pay models that do not align with the responsibilities inherent in medical practice. These issues have prompted a call to action for all members of the medical community.

In preparation for the strike, the COMTF is actively encouraging all its members to participate in the planned gatherings. They have organized specific events to foster solidarity and raise awareness about the issues at stake. On December 9th from 11:00 to 11:30, a gathering will take place at the main entrance of Hospital Universitario de Canarias (HUC), followed by another event on December 11th from 11:00 to 12:00 at the Government Subdelegation in Tenerife’s capital. Additionally, various hospitals and healthcare centers across the region will host similar events, aiming to unify the medical community in their fight for better working conditions and legislative recognition.

The mobilization efforts are not just limited to the medical professionals themselves; they also seek to engage the broader community in understanding the implications of the proposed legislation. By raising awareness, the COMTF hopes to garner public support for their cause, emphasizing that the quality of healthcare in the region is at stake.

Key points

• The College of Physicians of Santa Cruz de Tenerife will strike on December 9th-12th.
• The strike is in response to a draft bill affecting healthcare personnel.
• Concerns include inadequate representation of medical responsibilities in the draft.
• The Canary Islands face a severe shortage of healthcare professionals.
• Doctors are urged to mobilize and participate in planned gatherings.