Report Spain, May 2019
The situation during the last 6 months has been distinguished by a strong response from the primary care sector, where the drastic cuts suffered since the beginning of this decade are reflected in all aspects, especially in the unbearable workload of professionals and the increase in delays in appointments to care for patients.
The latest "Survey on the situation of the Medical Profession in Spain", carried out by the Spanish Medical Chamber in collaboration with CESM, shows that 45% of professionals far exceed the limit (1,500) of patients assigned, from which there is consensus that it is not possible to provide quality care. From the Forum of Primary Care Doctors, of which CESM forms part, together with medical colleges and scientific societies, we consider it a priority to ask for more budget, since only in this way will it be possible to attend to such pressing needs as the reinforcement of staff, the renewal of equipment or incentives for places that are difficult to cover. The great pressure exerted by the organisations representing doctors at the first level of care has already had a positive effect: the Ministry of Health has taken note and is apparently willing to work in collaboration with professionals to reinvigorate the sector.
More demands
Another of our main demands is the return to the 35-hour week (which came into force throughout the country, but was taken away from us in 2012 to return to 37.5 hours with the excuse that it was done on a temporary basis until the economic crisis was over). Five of the 17 autonomous communities have already taken steps in this direction. And, of course, we don't forget other issues that are of utmost importance to us, starting with the restitution of the wage loss (still no reversal of the 10% cut that took place in 2010), followed by the recovery of the career supplement and its extension to all doctors; the precariousness of jobs, and the adequacy between student places and the annual offer of postgraduate training places (in Spain, the so-called period of residence or MIR, which is accessed through an examination and lasts 4 or 5 years, is a necessary condition for working in the public system).
Political elections
Finally, it should be noted that on 28 April there were general elections and the Socialist Party (PSOE) had a relative but sufficient majority to continue governing. It had in its programme to underpin free healthcare for all residents in Spain and to review the 2012 pharmaceutical co-payments. In addition, it has also committed to incorporate oral health to the common portfolio of services National Health System (SNS). Another of the advanced measures is the regulation of euthanasia, as well as the promotion of the use of generic medicines, and the elaboration of a new National Mental Health Strategy, with reinforcement of child and youth mental health services.