The recent medical strike, held between June 16 and 19 in protest against the Marco Statute proposed by the central government, has had a significant impact in the province of Jaén, with the cancellation of 9,829 healthcare appointments. At the Andalusian level, the figure rises to 211,504 suspended appointments over those four days, generating an estimated economic cost of 28.64 million euros.
The acting Minister of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, detailed that since the start of the strikes against the central government in December, Andalusia has accumulated over 1.5 million suspended healthcare appointments, including appointments, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. This translates to a daily average of 60,000 cancellations and an accumulated economic cost of nearly 200 million euros.
“"We are committed to seeking dialogue to reach an agreement that avoids these strikes."
Antonio Sanz criticized the stance of the Minister of Health, Mónica García, whom he accused of a lack of dialogue to prevent the strike calls. The minister defended the Andalusian regional government's support for the doctors' demands and its commitment to negotiation as a resolution path.
The minister urged the central government to sit down and negotiate with healthcare professionals to end a strike that, in his opinion, harms citizens. Sanz held the minister responsible for not assuming the Ministry of Health's competence in the development of the Marco Statute and demanded a dialogue policy similar to that implemented by the Junta de Andalucía.
Finally, the minister questioned the healthcare management of the central government and its partners, pointing to the loss of appointments, surgeries, and diagnostic tests as a direct consequence of the conflict.
