154 Weeks of Advocacy for Public Healthcare in Sayago
154 weeks Later, a dedicated group of Sayagueses is at the forefront of the fight for decent public healthcare in the Sayago region. This continuous advocacy has contributed significantly to the manifesto of the Zamora Rural Coordinator, which recently called for rallies across all towns in Zamora.
In solidarity, the Platform for Health in the Tábara region and the people of Villalobos have joined the movement titled “I Stop for My People”, initiated by the Revolt of Empty Spain. This collaboration marks a crucial step in uniting efforts to secure healthcare accessibility for residents in rural areas.
Manifesto for Quality Healthcare
In the rural world of Zamora, we value the unwavering commitment of our health personnel but vehemently denounce the cuts in public health that continue to undermine primary care in our most depopulated territories.
Health personnel are the foundation of rural medicine, and today, we express our profound gratitude to those who choose to work in our towns. Their presence is vital for ensuring that we have access to not merely healthcare, but quality healthcare.
Our first demand is that the Ministry of Health of Castilla y León reevaluate the significance of rural medicine and actively promote the value of healthcare professionals dedicated to it.
However, contrary to the necessary valorization of rural healthcare, we are witnessing a relentless decline in public health services. Shortcomings are glaring in primary care, which have significantly escalated since the pandemic. Workforce reductions—such as the elimination of positions, unstaffed sick leaves, and a lack of coverage during breaks—have severely compromised the care available to the rural population.
Concentration number 154 of Sayagueses for health / Provided
In the most depopulated rural areas, the repercussions of these cuts are grave. Health offices may remain closed for weeks, creating barriers for older adults with mobility issues or individuals lacking support to access healthcare services. Additionally, the precarious state of emergency services leaves our communities vulnerable in critical situations.
These situations reflect a violation of a fundamental social right, which should be universal and equitable for all citizens. Therefore, our call is for quality public healthcare, sufficiently resourced and staffed to cater to the needs of our communities—an essential service vital for resisting further depopulation in emptied Spain.
Specific Demands for Healthcare Enhancement
The Revolt of Empty Spain outlines several key demands that resonate across all territories involved in this social movement:
- Guarantee that health centers and rural clinics remain accessible and open at least weekly for the population.
- Prioritize face-to-face consultations to foster effective relationships between patients and healthcare providers, relegating telephone consultations to bureaucratic tasks.
- Increase the Primary Care budget to 25% of the total Health budget, ensuring the hiring of stable, quality personnel.
- Eliminate or significantly reduce waiting lists for specialized care.
- Adapt health center staffing to meet the specific needs of each locality, ensuring access to necessary specialists such as pediatrics and geriatrics.
- Promote preventive healthcare and health education initiatives.
- Enhance citizen involvement through active health councils and forums.
- Establish a specialty in rural medicine to encourage more professionals to serve in rural areas.
- Improve emergency services by providing medical ambulances and night-time helicopter support as required by local needs.
Why This Matters: The Importance of Rural Healthcare
This is not merely about healthcare; it’s about social justice. The ability to access quality healthcare should not be dictated by geography. With an appropriate presence of healthcare providers in rural areas, we can truthfully assert: Your presence is our health.
| Demand | Importance |
|---|---|
| Weekly healthcare access | Ensures timely care for all residents |
| Focus on in-person consultations | Strengthens patient-provider relationships |
| Increased Primary Care budget | Improves workforce stability and service quality |
| Reduced waiting lists | Enhances timely access to specialized services |
| Adapt staffing to local needs | Ensures comprehensive healthcare delivery |
Together, united in purpose, we can reshape the future of healthcare in the Sayago region and ensure that every voice is heard in the quest for equality in healthcare access. The spirit of Sayagueses continues undeterred in this formidable challenge, determined to carve out pathways towards accessible, quality public healthcare for all.
