Massive Demonstration in Valladolid Urges Support for Public Healthcare
Over 5,000 protesters rally against cuts and privatization of healthcare in Castilla y León
On March 15, 2025, more than 5,000 people took to the streets of central Valladolid to demand that the regional government of Castilla y León prioritize public healthcare and reject any cuts or privatization efforts.
The demonstration was organized by labor unions CCOO and UGT, along with platforms advocating for public healthcare in the region, under the slogan 'Let's defend our public healthcare, let's defend our rights.' Attendees arrived from across the nine provinces of the region, with 40 buses mobilized to transport protesters.
Óscar Lobo, the leader of UGT in Castilla y León, expressed dissatisfaction with the current public healthcare system, citing existing problems and deficiencies while advocating for significant improvements.
He criticized the regional Ministry of Health for what he described as a continued preference for private healthcare solutions.
Vicente Andrés from CCOO echoed these sentiments, specifically highlighting the issue of lengthy wait times in public services, which he suggested are 'deliberate' to motivate citizens towards private healthcare options.
Andrés called for an increase in the healthcare budget, either through regional funding or taxes, and for a renewed political and social agreement on healthcare in the region.
He also urged greater citizen involvement in healthcare decisions via the more than 500 area councils established through a social dialogue agreement in 2001.
Nuria Rubio, the Deputy Secretary General of PSOE in Castilla y León, accused regional president Alfonso Fernández Mañueco of 'dismantling' public healthcare.
Rubio pointed out that during Mañueco's tenure, 108 million euros had been invested in private healthcare while the region had lost 337 healthcare professionals, a situation she deemed unsustainable.
She implored Health Minister Alejandro Vázquez to listen to the citizens rallying from all corners of the community.
Pablo Fernández, Secretary of Organization for Unidas Podemos, joined in the criticism of the ruling Popular Party (PP), accusing them of undermining public healthcare in favor of private interests.
He noted a 40% increase in per capita spending on private healthcare over the last decade, rising from 342 million to 542 million euros.
The march also featured numerous platforms representing various local healthcare concerns, including a group from Tábara in Zamora, advocating for improved access to non-appointment consultations in rural areas.
The León province showcased its presence with banners and music from El Bierzo and Laciana groups, demanding enhanced resources and services, notably at the Ponferrada reference hospital and within rural healthcare facilities.
The Oncobierzo association highlighted ongoing issues with the shortage of oncologists at the berciano hospital, drawing attention to the commitment made by Health Minister Mónica García to address this issue.
The demonstration was organized by labor unions CCOO and UGT, along with platforms advocating for public healthcare in the region, under the slogan 'Let's defend our public healthcare, let's defend our rights.' Attendees arrived from across the nine provinces of the region, with 40 buses mobilized to transport protesters.
Óscar Lobo, the leader of UGT in Castilla y León, expressed dissatisfaction with the current public healthcare system, citing existing problems and deficiencies while advocating for significant improvements.
He criticized the regional Ministry of Health for what he described as a continued preference for private healthcare solutions.
Vicente Andrés from CCOO echoed these sentiments, specifically highlighting the issue of lengthy wait times in public services, which he suggested are 'deliberate' to motivate citizens towards private healthcare options.
Andrés called for an increase in the healthcare budget, either through regional funding or taxes, and for a renewed political and social agreement on healthcare in the region.
He also urged greater citizen involvement in healthcare decisions via the more than 500 area councils established through a social dialogue agreement in 2001.
Nuria Rubio, the Deputy Secretary General of PSOE in Castilla y León, accused regional president Alfonso Fernández Mañueco of 'dismantling' public healthcare.
Rubio pointed out that during Mañueco's tenure, 108 million euros had been invested in private healthcare while the region had lost 337 healthcare professionals, a situation she deemed unsustainable.
She implored Health Minister Alejandro Vázquez to listen to the citizens rallying from all corners of the community.
Pablo Fernández, Secretary of Organization for Unidas Podemos, joined in the criticism of the ruling Popular Party (PP), accusing them of undermining public healthcare in favor of private interests.
He noted a 40% increase in per capita spending on private healthcare over the last decade, rising from 342 million to 542 million euros.
The march also featured numerous platforms representing various local healthcare concerns, including a group from Tábara in Zamora, advocating for improved access to non-appointment consultations in rural areas.
The León province showcased its presence with banners and music from El Bierzo and Laciana groups, demanding enhanced resources and services, notably at the Ponferrada reference hospital and within rural healthcare facilities.
The Oncobierzo association highlighted ongoing issues with the shortage of oncologists at the berciano hospital, drawing attention to the commitment made by Health Minister Mónica García to address this issue.
Translation:
Translated by AI
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
