Galicia healthcare platforms call for protests over medical shortages

Healthcare advocacy groups in Galicia have organized protests to denounce critical shortages in primary care services. In Xove, the Plataforma Sanitaria da Mariña has called for a demonstration on Tuesday to protest the absence of a pediatrician, a situation that has lasted nearly a month and affects both Xove and San Cibrao.

The platform reports that the lack of pediatric services is delaying essential child development exams and routine medical follow-ups. They criticized the regional health service, Sergas, for suggesting that emergency cases be diverted to Burela, which is already operating at 50% of its pediatric capacity.

In A Guarda, the Plataforma en Defensa de la Sanidade Pública da Guarda has scheduled a protest for Thursday to address the fact that 2,400 residents currently lack a reference doctor. The group claims that unfilled family medicine positions and long waiting times are degrading care quality, particularly as professionals in the area are forced to manage patients from neighboring O Rosal due to staffing shortages.