Citizen assemblies and protests planned to defend public health systems

In Ecuador, the first Citizen Assembly for Health, titled ‘Pensamiento desde el sur’, is scheduled to take place in Cuenca on October 27, 2026. Organized by social collectives, health professionals, and patients, the assembly aims to address a structural crisis characterized by shortages of medicine, supplies, and equipment. Participants intend to develop a technical agenda to transform public indignation into concrete policy proposals, including legislative advocacy and social oversight mechanisms to strengthen the public health system.

In Spain, the Plataforma por la Sanidad Pública del Caudal has announced plans to intensify protests against the deterioration of healthcare services. Following two years of monthly demonstrations, the group is organizing a large-scale regional manifestation in Mieres, Asturias, expected in early 2025. The movement seeks to unite various Asturian collectives to demand solutions for hospital waiting lists, specialist consultation delays, and general care deficiencies. The platform has also requested a multidisciplinary meeting with local and regional health authorities to address these systemic issues.