The duality of mutual doctor
A health professional reflects on his experience in a mutual, noting that his decisions are often not dictated by medical rigor, but by wider interests. ‘The real purpose of attending to a patient should be to prevent him from becoming one,’ says an anonymous doctor about his experience in one of the Mutual Social Security.
A unique practice in Europe
The responsibility to determine if the work diseases are caused by the work lies in mutual societies that, theoretically, are not for profit. This particularity is unusual in the European context and, surprisingly, has remained intact through various governments. Miguel Arenas, an expert in labor law, emphasizes that it is a system that has survived the various administrations, and that its continuity has not been questioned.
The economic logic of mutual
Arenas recalls his experience in Fremap in the early 2000’s, where he perceived that the mutuals operated with a strictly economical mentality. ‘The goal was to maximize the income to pay the benefits, always looking for the numbers to come out positive,’ he says, emphasizing that the system does not seek benefits but surplus that guarantee their survival.
The extension of powers
For decades, mutuals have expanded their duties, moving from only work accidents to managing a wide range of situations, including common diseases. This evolution has caused many companies, which trust the mutual companies to meet their needs, can opt for management that includes aspects that were formerly exclusive to the public health system.
The consequences of an opaque system
The invisibility of labor injuries is one of the most serious problems that workers face. Pathologies that are derived from work are often not recognized, which makes it difficult to register. This means that many dangerous working conditions are left without the necessary attention, perpetuating a cycle of damage that could be avoided.
The Social Impact of Decisions
Experts warn that the dilution of the labor origin of diseases not only affects workers individually, but also has a negative effect on society as a whole. If companies are not responsible for the conditions that cause illness, the risks are ignored and labor injustices are perpetuated.
The challenge of reconstruction
Authorized voices in the sector point out that the lack of recognition of some work diseases is a problem that cannot be ignored. The bureaucratic process for accepting a pathology as a work is often complex and demotivating, which causes many patients to claim the rights that correspond to them.
Reflections on the future
In a constantly changing work world, the need to reform the system of mutuals is more urgent than ever. Workers’ protection and their health should not be a matter of numbers, but a fundamental right that deserves priority care. Society must consider how to ensure that the working conditions are safe and fair, and that workers obtain the necessary support at times of vulnerability.