Verín protests demand more doctors and better health services

Around 12,000 residents of Verín and surrounding towns gathered on Saturday to demand additional medical staff and improvements to the public health system. The march, organised by the Plataforma de Defensa da Sanidade Pública da Comarca de Monterrei, began at the local health centre and moved through the town centre, ending in Praza Maior where a manifesto was read. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Non pedimos privilexios, pedimos sanitarios” and highlighted long waiting lists – up to four years for ophthalmology appointments and a lack of cardiology diagnostics – as well as shortages in dermatology, urology and neurology.

The platform stressed that the demands are purely health‑related and not political, citing the recent 12.8 % increase in staff (35 new positions) announced by the Servizo Galego de Saúde, but arguing that the additions are insufficient. Organisers warned that if concrete measures are not taken by September, further demonstrations will be staged.

Local officials, including a midwife from the Hospital Público de Verín, responded by noting that the maternity ward remains open, attributing its continued operation to the community’s mobilisation.