Approximately 7,000 people, according to local police estimates, participated in the event organized by the Marea Blanca Platform. The mobilization brought together families, healthcare professionals, patients, and social groups who marched through Lanzarote's capital to defend the hospital's continuity and its specialized care model for the elderly.
The march, which began at Parque Islas Canarias and concluded at the hospital's facilities, was marked by high turnout and demands stemming from uncertainty about the center's future. Attendees expressed concern and called for clear commitments from public administrations to ensure the continuity of services.
The Insular Hospital is a key healthcare resource on the island, particularly for the care of the elderly and patients requiring specialized attention. The preservation of its care model, developed over decades, was central to the citizens' demands.
“"The mobilization reflects the existing social support for the Insular Hospital. The presence of thousands of people in the streets highlights citizens' concern about the continuity of a care model they consider essential for the island."
María Dolores Corujo, Secretary General of the PSOE of Lanzarote and Member of Congress, who attended the march with other socialist officials, praised the high participation. She stated that citizens are demanding clear information, specific timelines, and funding guarantees to ensure service continuity. Corujo directed criticism towards the president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, and the Government of the Canary Islands, urging them to provide more precise answers regarding the center's plans.
The importance of maintaining close and specialized care for the elderly, as well as the work of healthcare professionals associated with the center, was emphasized. The socialist leader criticized questioning the nature of the mobilization, stressing that it responds to a widely shared social concern.
Participants highlighted the Insular Hospital's geriatric model, with over seven decades of history, based on proximity, service coordination, and family support. The experience of healthcare and assistance teams was valued, considering the center a care model adapted to the specific needs of the island's elderly population.
The mobilization also received support from numerous hospital workers, former employees, and relatives of patients. The PSOE conveyed its backing to these groups, noting the concern generated by the lack of information and the need to provide resources and stability to the care model.
Following the demonstration, the PSOE of Lanzarote believes the public response compels the responsible administrations to specify their plans. They demand that any future action preserve the center's healthcare capacity, maintain professional teams, and guarantee the continuity of specialized services, with the participation of all involved sectors.
