Los Alcázares Unites to Demand 24-Hour Medical Care

A coalition of political parties, healthcare professionals, trade unions, neighbourhood associations and local doctors came together in a unified protest demanding a 24-hour health centre for Los Alcázares. The demonstration, organized by the Los Alcázares City Council in collaboration with the UGT and CCOO trade unions, transpired at the municipality's health centre car park.

Protests were preceded by the creation of a collective mural, a visual representation of the demand for a health centre that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The campaigners emphasized that their proposal had gained support from the Murcia Regional Assembly and had been repeatedly requested by the Los Alcázares City Council.

A petition backing the campaign had amassed over 14,000 signatures. Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera reiterated that the municipality, with a year-round population of 22,000 that swells to 100,000 in the summer, was not seeking special treatment but rather equal access to a vital public service. He emphasized that the town, like others with smaller populations, needed permanent healthcare.

The mayor stressed that the service was essential for both permanent residents and the large number of visitors, particularly during the summer months. One of the town's first family doctors addressed the rally, recalling that Los Alcázares had 24-hour medical services in 1984, when the population was around 2,400. Today, the municipality has over 22,000 permanent residents and approximately 13 to 14 doctors, yet its regular health centre reportedly functions only from 8 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday.

The protesters alleged that supplementary afternoon services during peak periods are designed for temporary residents and holidaymakers, thereby excluding registered local residents from receiving the same care. A CCOO representative denounced what the union labeled as discrimination against the town's permanent population and urged regional authorities to ensure equal access to medical care.

Residents shared personal stories illustrating how the lack of a 24-hour service had impacted them and their families. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "It is not a whim, it is a right," "A 24-hour health centre now," and "Healthcare is not for sale; it must be defended." Despite political disagreements on other matters, every party represented on Los Alcázares Council participated in the campaign.

Councillors from the PSOE, PP, and Vox were present alongside residents, doctors, and union representatives. The rally, which lasted over an hour, concluded with Mayor Pérez Cervera reading an institutional manifesto advocating for a health centre that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The statement argued that residents and visitors should not be compelled to travel to neighboring municipalities for urgent medical treatment, especially when they are ill, vulnerable, or facing a medical emergency.