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Andalucía's doctors are keeping their options open as Spain braces for an indefinite strike in October
The Andalusian Medical Union says the situation locally remains unresolved and will join the national action unless a firm regional agreement is reached first
Spain's doctors are preparing for another major escalation in their dispute with Health Minister Mónica García. An indefinite national strike is planned from October 28, triggered by the parliamentary progress of the government's proposed Framework Statute for the healthcare profession, and Andalucía's medical unions are watching the situation closely before deciding whether to join.The dispute has been building for months. Earlier this year, Spanish doctors staged a two-week national walkout over many of the same grievances, with protests held across the country as unions demanded better pay, shorter working hours and a dedicated negotiation forum for the profession. The proposed Framework Statute, which would reduce on-call shifts from 24 to 17 hours rather than the 35-hour week doctors are demanding, has done little to resolve those tensions.
As previously reported, medical unions warned that an indefinite stoppage could begin in October if Parliament continued to process the legislation. That prospect is now looking increasingly likely.
For Andalucía specifically, the picture is complicated. Rafael Ojeda, spokesperson for the Andalusian Medical Union (SMA), says the region reached an agreement with the regional Ministry of Health over the summer covering some of the same demands rejected at national level, including reforms to on-call systems and changes to pay structures. The problem is that the agreement lacks both detail and dates. "They haven't been quantified, nor is there a set date for when they will be implemented," Ojeda explained. "We have asked the Regional Ministry to provide more details."
The SMA will join the national strike if the Framework Statute continues through Parliament, but Ojeda has outlined two scenarios in which Andalucía might hold back. Either the proposed law is rejected or loses political support in Congress, or a sufficiently strong regional agreement is reached that makes the national dispute feel secondary. "Depending on how the agreement develops, we will be able to consider other scenarios," he said.
Andalucía's Health Minister Antonio Sanz has made no secret of where he stands. He has repeatedly urged Mónica García to reopen dialogue with doctors and this summer hardened his usually measured tone considerably, labelling her a "pyromaniac of public healthcare" and describing her attitude as "irresponsible." His position is clear: "The doctors are right."
For patients, the stakes are high. Since the dispute began, 1.3 million medical appointments have been cancelled nationally. Ojeda was blunt about where responsibility lies. "It is the only way out left to us by a minister who refuses to talk and negotiate. And we all pay the price for this lack of willingness to negotiate: the doctors, the patients, and the regional government."
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