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.
AI

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.