A major conflict is brewing within the medical community of the Comunidad Valenciana. The region’s Forum of Primary Care Physicians (FOMAP-CV) has officially endorsed a four-day strike set to take place from December 9 to 12. The reason: dissatisfaction with the draft of a new statute proposed by Spain’s Ministry of Health. According to doctors, the document fails to address the specifics of their profession and does not guarantee decent working conditions.
Doctors insist that unless the government recognizes their qualifications and responsibilities, the healthcare system will face an exodus of professionals. This, in turn, would impact patient safety and the quality of care. FOMAP-CV representatives stress that sustainable progress in the national healthcare system is impossible without improving working conditions.
The position of the professional community
The protest has drawn support not only from practicing physicians, but also from scientific societies, medical students, trade unions, and professional associations. All agree on one point: there needs to be a separate regulation that reflects the specific nature of medical work. Only then can high professional standards, system efficiency, and patient safety be maintained.
The Forum of Medical Professions (which includes CGCOM, FACME, CESM, CNDFM, and CEEM) has also expressed solidarity with the protesters. They insist that without clear rules and guarantees for doctors, it is impossible to provide quality healthcare. Physicians are demanding not only better working conditions but also a review of the entire healthcare delivery model.
Demands and Problems
According to FOMAP-CV representatives, the issue is not just about salaries and work schedules. Doctors stress the need to reform the primary care system. They demand clear limits on the number of patients per physician, reasonable time frames for appointments, and an end to endless queues. Only then, doctors believe, can they give adequate attention to those who truly need care and carry out all necessary clinical procedures.
In recent years, the situation in Valencia’s primary healthcare system has become critical. There is a shortage of specialists, queues are growing, and funding remains unchanged. Doctors have repeatedly staged protests when conditions became unbearable. Now they are once again calling on their colleagues to join the strike and urging authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Mobilization and Action
As part of the December protests in the Valencian Community, mass gatherings are planned. On December 11 at 11:00 a.m., doctors will gather at hospital entrances to express their dissatisfaction. Organizers emphasize that their goal is not only to achieve better working conditions but also to draw public attention to problems throughout the healthcare system.
Healthcare professionals insist that without real changes, it will be impossible to attract and retain young specialists. They are demanding that the Ministry of Health return to the negotiating table and develop concrete solutions. Doctors stress that they are open to dialogue, but expect respect and a constructive approach from the authorities.
FOMAP-CV is an alliance of leading professional and scientific associations of primary care physicians in the Valencian Community. The forum actively participates in healthcare reform discussions, defends the interests of medical professionals and patients, and regularly puts forward initiatives to improve the system. Its members include representatives of scientific societies, labor unions, and student organizations, which allows a variety of perspectives to be considered when developing positions.
