Information
Equipo Nizkor
        Bookshop | Donate
Derechos | Equipo Nizkor       

28Dec12


Spain doctors end strike over hospital privatization


Doctors in Spain's Madrid region called off a strike on Friday after failing to halt plans to privatize six hospitals and dozens of clinics.

The Madrid regional government aims to save 200 million euros ($265 million) by putting the hospitals and clinics under private management. The region's elected assembly approved the plan on Thursday.

Spain has implemented tough austerity measures this year to help it reach a European Union-agreed budget deficit target and stave off a bailout. The country's 17 autonomous regions control their own spending on healthcare and education.

The strike lasted for five weeks, during which doctors only saw patients on Fridays. Rallies organized by healthcare unions in the capital drew thousands of doctors and their supporters.

Emergency services were not affected.

"We went on strike because we want to stop the new ... plan and that has not changed," said Belen Padilla from one union, the Association of Madrid Doctors and Specialists.

($1 = 0.7563 euros)

[Source: Reuters, Madrid, 28Dec12]

Tienda de Libros Radio Nizkor On-Line Donations

Informes sobre DESC
small logoThis document has been published on 03Jan13 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.