Doctors take to the streets of Barcelona to protest work overload

A thousand physicians demonstrate against 24-hour shifts and demand a specific labor agreement.

Generic image of a demonstration of healthcare professionals wearing white coats in a city street.
IA

Generic image of a demonstration of healthcare professionals wearing white coats in a city street.

Around a thousand doctors, according to the Guàrdia Urbana, demonstrated this Friday in Barcelona to denounce the collapse of the healthcare system and demand an end to 24-hour shifts.

The protest, organized by the Metges de Catalunya (MC) union, started in front of the Department of Health headquarters. Professionals performed a choreography to Michael Jackson's Thriller, dressed as zombies to symbolize the exhaustion caused by long working hours.

"One day we will wake up and see the healthcare system collapsed, as has happened with Rodalies."

Xavier Lleonart · General Secretary of Metges de Catalunya
While the Government reported a 7.2% turnout, the union claimed 43% participation. Doctors are demanding a specific medical agreement and better work-life balance, criticizing Minister Olga Pané for the lack of direct negotiations.