Spain's Health Minister proposes parliamentary study on medical statute

Spanish Health Minister Mónica García has proposed the creation of a parliamentary intergroup to study the working conditions of doctors and evaluate the necessity of a specific regulatory framework for medical professionals. This proposal comes amid tensions regarding the reform of the 'Estatuto Marco' (Framework Statute), a basic regulation for healthcare professionals.

García stated that while the Ministry does not oppose a specific statute for doctors, any such framework must be built upon a common base for all health professionals rather than replacing the existing structure. She emphasized that the reform is currently before the Congress of Deputies, allowing parliamentary groups to decide on improvements to the 2003 regulations.

The proposal follows criticism from the PNV party, which argued that the current reform lacks consensus and could lead to increased conflict and strikes. While García cited a Basque report as being favorable to the Framework Statute, representatives from the Basque Government clarified that the report was a legal opinion regarding the Ministry's competence to drive the reform, noting that regional leaders have instead called for the text's withdrawal and further negotiation.