Doctors in Catalonia have called a strike for Thursday 19 March and Friday 20 March, aiming to pressure the Department of Health for improved working conditions. The action, organised by Metges de Catalunya, seeks an end to 24-hour shifts, limits on professional overload, and more staff to cover holiday periods, according to the union. This strike coincides with a teachers' strike happening throughout the week.
The doctors also want their own collective agreement and oppose the Framework Statute from the Ministry of Health. The Department of Labour has set minimum services for the strike days.
Strike Duration and National Context
The Metges de Catalunya strike will run from 8am on Thursday 19 March until 8am on Saturday 21 March. Separately, the State Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM) has called for stoppages from 16 to 20 March, from 0:00 to 23:59 each day, with further periods planned.
Hospital Services Guaranteed
In Siscat hospitals, which are part of the public health system but managed by private entities, several services will operate normally. These include all urgent care, special units such as ICUs, coronary units, haemodialysis, neonatology, and maternity wards. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy for urgent or life-threatening situations are also guaranteed. Oncology treatments in other cases will depend on medical criteria.
Surgery for unavoidable emergencies or serious cases, including pre and post-operative care, will continue as directed by medical staff. Patients already admitted to hospitals will maintain their usual healthcare during their stay, officials said.
Impact on Primary Care
Urgent care will be guaranteed at primary care centres (CAPs with continuous/urgent care, CUAPs, PACs, and PADES) during their regular opening hours. Staffing for primary care will be 25% on the first day of the strike. From the second day onwards, one-third of staff will be present. If a facility usually operates with a single staff member, this is considered the minimum and normal assistance will be provided.
Other Affected Services
Pharmaceutical services will continue with the necessary medical staff on established on-call and night shifts. Ambulance services are guaranteed for all emergencies, as well as for oncology treatments, dialysis, and oxygen therapy. Transfers for urgent tests will also proceed based on medical criteria.
Coordination of medical emergencies will function normally. Other services will operate on a public holiday schedule, except for centres where holiday staffing is the same as on a working day, which will operate at 50% capacity. The Blood and Tissue Bank, including fixed centres and mobile teams, will run at 50% service. Prison and educational justice centres will provide a service equivalent to a public holiday.
Telephone lines for emergencies will only handle communications that require immediate action. The Department of Health has not yet commented on the doctors' demands or the potential for negotiations.
