The mayor of Vigo has confirmed that the local government will participate in a demonstration organised by the Platform SOS Sanidade Pública. The protest is scheduled to start at 7 PM from Plaza de España, aiming to urge the Xunta de Galicia, the regional government, to address the pressing healthcare needs of the Vigo area.
Abel Caballero highlighted the 'unbearable' situation faced by both users and healthcare professionals. He pointed out that while the Xunta acknowledges the 'uncontrollable' rise in waiting lists for surgical procedures and specialised consultations, it has failed to provide the necessary resources to meet public demand. This has resulted in significant pressure on healthcare staff.
“They need to provide the necessary human resources, as well as expand and improve facilities, and relieve the pressure on professionals in hospitals and primary care due to the influx of patients who cannot be reasonably attended to,” Caballero stated, expressing his support for all healthcare personnel for their efforts in addressing the immense shortcomings of the Xunta in Vigo.
The mayor also referenced official data from the Consellería de Sanidad, which indicated that as of June 30 this year, a total of 88,285 patients in the Vigo area were awaiting surgical intervention, specialised care, or diagnostic tests. “This means that 14 per cent of the population is on a surgical waiting list, with an average wait of six months for specialised attention,” he emphasised.
