Claims in favor of public health
Around 2,500 people protested today in the center of Barcelona in favor of public health, according to figures from the Urban Guard. This demonstration has been promoted by Marea Blanca and Marea Pensionista as part of the celebration of World Health Day.
The protesters have expressed their opposition to the very long waiting lists and the commoditization of health care, as well as the privatization that are negatively affecting the health system. In addition, they have called for better resources for primary care and to address mental health, as well as decent working conditions for health professionals.
Reactions of the spokespersons
One of Marea Blanca’s spokespersons, Toni Barbarà, has stressed the importance of the fight to guarantee health as a basic right, and has criticized actions that are endangering the health system. In addition, he has promised to continue the fight against the privatization and commercialization of healthcare.
The spokeswoman for Marea Pensionista, Conchita Ribera, has denounced the degradation of public health and has shown her concern for the long waiting lists for certain interventions or medical visits.
Claims of the unitary manifesto
The manifesto read in Plaça Sant Jaume denounces the precariousness of public health, which attacks the right to health and belittles professionals, for the benefit of private interests. In this sense, more resources are demanded for Primary Care and excessive waiting lists are criticized, both at primary and hospital level. The situation of children and adolescents is also alluded to, more resources are requested for mental health and a call is made to establish better working conditions for health personnel.
Political positioning
Statements by Javier Pacheco, CCOO
Javier Pacheco, secretary general of CCOO, has claimed the need for sufficient resources to avoid privatization and cuts in the health system, as well as called on the political parties to make health a priority in the next electoral campaign.
Interventions by political candidates
The candidate of the CUP in the 12-M, Laia Estrada, has highlighted the privatization of healthcare in Catalonia and its impact on users and professionals, criticizing the absence of improvements during the legislature. On the other hand, the candidate for the commons in the 12-M, Jéssica Albiach, has defended the shielding of public health and has demanded the presence of pediatricians in each municipality, as well as the availability of more public psychologists and access to public dental services .