Tourists and locals unite in demonstration for 24 hour health centre in Los Alcázares
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After 3pm, patients have to travel to Torre Pacheco or San Javier if they need to see a doctor
Holidaymakers and long-term residents of Los Alcázares joined forces on Wednesday August 7 in another demonstration to demand a 24-hour health centre in the town. As always, Mayor Mario Cervera led the protest, which wound its way from the Town Hall to the current medical premises.
Since 2011, the medical centre has closed its doors at 3pm, meaning that locals and visitors must travel as far as Torre Pacheco or San Javier if they need any kind of treatment later in the day.
“The Ministry of Health used the excuse that there was not enough population in the municipality of Los Alcázares, but the truth is that since then we have grown exponentially, exceeding 20,000 inhabitants this year,” Mayor Cervera said earlier this week while announcing the demonstration.
“We need to return to the municipality of Los Alcázares the health service that the residents deserve,” he added.
“It is not a luxury, it is a necessity and therefore next Wednesday at eight in the afternoon the residents of Los Alcázares will go out to demonstrate to demand that this injustice and this unequal treatment finally end and we will ask for quality 24 hour health care.”
Over the years, Los Alcázares City Council has proposed several alternatives, but has yet to receive a satisfactory reply from the regional government.
Mr Cervera stated that “The Mobile Emergency Unit (UME) only comes to the municipality during the summer season, this year specifically from July to October, so we have requested that it remain throughout the year. We would provide the space in the security centre, as well as the driver.”
In addition to the 24-hour medical centre, the mayor has highlighted the serious issue of waiting times in Los Alcázares. According to Mr Cervera, while patients can usually see a doctor within four or five days in winter, during the summer months the waiting lists can be anything up to 15 days, as sick leave and annual leave aren’t covered.
In the summer, Los Alcázares can reach a population of more than 60,000 inhabitants between tourists and residents.
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