The nationwide doctors’ strike called in opposition to the reform of the Statutory Framework has had a direct impact on public healthcare services in the Balearic Islands this week. The industrial action has forced a significant reduction in medical activity across hospitals and primary care centres.
A total of 316 surgical procedures and more than eleven thousand consultations were cancelled, along with a considerable number of diagnostic and radiology tests. Mallorca accounted for the highest number of suspensions, although Menorca and the Pityusic Islands were also notably affected.
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Doctors’ strike leads to widespread cancellations in Balearic public healthcare
The table below outlines the suspended healthcare activity by island and type of service:
| Type of suspended activity | Mallorca | Menorca | Pitiusas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical procedures | 225 | 33 | 58 |
| Hospital consultations | 4,843 | 395 | 1,380 |
| Radiology tests | 500 | 17 | 4 |
| Diagnostic tests | 101 | 34 | 11 |
| Primary care consultations | 4,985 | 226 | 1,341 |
Hospital outpatient visits and primary care services have been the most affected areas, requiring health authorities to reorganise schedules and resources. The Health Service has already begun the progressive rescheduling of all cancelled appointments in order to minimise disruption for patients.
However, the strike is expected to result in a temporary increase in waiting lists for surgeries, medical consultations and diagnostic tests, which health officials aim to reduce gradually over the coming weeks.