In a situation like ours, we also remember those who are in trance, many of them seriously ill in hospitals, struggling for their lives, many at home alone, or caring for vulnerable family members, be they older or younger.

Some would say that language is by no means a priority in an emergency situation, but the reality is totally different.

More than ever, it is absolutely necessary for patients to receive care in their own language. With a higher precarious situation, many patients resort to their mother tongue and the active supply of services in Basque can facilitate quality health care: patient assessment, timely diagnosis, as well as a better understanding of the treatments and care that patients are receiving.

It is not a matter for the Basques alone. The medical evidence generated internationally has shown that people can die from communication problems. We must remember that people in vulnerable situations, who are alone at home, should receive help in their mother tongue.

The collective Baluarte considers that the defense of Euskera, of equity and of the justice of the people, is a commitment to human rights.

Public health institutions, Osakidetza and Osasunbidea, as well as all health personnel and services, have an obligation to ensure health services in Basque. In fact, the health area is the most important point to favor equality, equity and justice, especially in this coffin in which sick people are more unprotected and in need of help than ever before.

For all these reasons, we call on Osasunbidea and Osakidetza to publicly recognise the need to provide health services in Euskera and, at the same time, remind healthcare workers that the highest level of care is provided in the language of the patient. It is a basic human right.

Adrián Zelaia.

Aitor Montes.

Joseba Fernández de Retana

For the Balanced Group

Euskaldunization of Health Movement