Health centers and hospitals across the archipelago experienced reduced activity during the fourth wave of the medical strike, called at a national level. While the regional Health Department reported a 12.98% participation rate, the Canarian Medical Union, one of the organizers, claimed a 57% turnout. Both parties, however, agree that the participation was lower than in previous calls, which took place in December, February, and March.
According to data from the Canarian Health Service (SCS), 570 of the 4,391 professionals called to strike during the morning shift participated. The island of Gran Canaria registered the highest follow-up with 16.19%, followed by Tenerife with 13.17%. In Lanzarote, the incidence was 7.81%, while in La Palma it barely reached 3%. No participation was recorded in El Hierro and La Gomera. The day passed without incidents, with 1,343 professionals covering minimum services.
The day was marked by a meeting between representatives of the Canarian Medical Union and the director of the SCS, in an effort to bridge differences and resolve a conflict that has been ongoing for three years. At the end of the meeting, the president of the Canarian Medical Union (CESM), reported that the Ministry of Health has committed to submitting a written proposal in the coming days, opening a hopeful path for resolution.
“"Between Monday and Thursday the strike is national, but we expect greater participation on the days of regional call."
Among the main demands of the medical professionals are the creation of a specific negotiation table for doctors in the Canary Islands, limiting daily patient appointments to a maximum of 30, and reinforcing staff in Primary Care emergencies. Labor improvements are also being sought, such as the implementation of a permanent and open transfer competition starting this year, and better remuneration for on-call hours, which are the lowest paid in the country, with 23.6 euros per hour in the archipelago compared to a national average of 29 euros.
Separately, the Canarian Medical Employees Union (Semca) also met with the director of the SCS, though their meeting was brief and purely informational, without room for negotiation. The organization withdrew from the table after not being recognized as a strike committee, despite having called a regional medical strike from April 27 to 30 and on May 4. Both unions have called for a citizen march in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this Wednesday, starting from Plaza de las Ranas at 5:30 PM.
