The claim is clear: "Save Osakidetza". Tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets last Saturday in Vitoria, Bilbao and San Sebastian in response to calls from the trade unions SATSE, ELA, LAB, CCOO, UGT and SME. They say that the demonstrations have been "the most massive of all times in favor of public health." Several agents joined the demonstration, including political representatives of EH Bildu and Elkarrekin Podemos. Demands like "Osakidetza is not for sale", "We defend decent living conditions and public services", "There are no cuts", etc.

The callers stressed that the decline in public health and Osakidetza is "structural". In ARGIA we discussed the issue in depth in number 2,811.

"No, no restrictions."

At the same time as the protests began, Health Advisor Gotzone Sagardui expressed her opinion in a warning video.

 

 

 

 

"There have never been so much money, never so much money," says Sagardui and recalls that the budget has increased by 43% in the last decade. It also stresses that public ownership in the Osakidetza service has not been privatized.

The Counsellor says that there has been an increase in the number of stable staff in Osakidetza, and that seven new health centres are being built and large investments made. However, he concludes by stressing that "it is not only an investment issue", because doctors are missing in Spain and in Europe in general. It has therefore also addressed the Spanish Government by saying that a "joint solution" must be found.

[Next photo gallery of the demonstrations.]