Abel Caballero, the mayor of Vigo, has expressed grave concerns about the state of healthcare in the city, labelling it the most calamitous in history. His remarks followed a meeting with members of SOS Sanidad Pública, during which they discussed the "uncontrollable increase in wait times" for medical procedures.
During a press briefing, Caballero highlighted alarming statistics regarding patient wait times. As of 30 June, 88,285 patients in the Vigo area were awaiting a surgical intervention, specialised care, or diagnostic tests. Of these, 10,780 individuals were waiting for surgery, with an average wait time of 86 days. Additionally, around 44,000 patients were pending consultations, facing an average wait of 67 days for specialised attention. This figure has risen from 39,000 to 44,000 patients in recent months. Furthermore, 33,642 individuals are waiting for diagnostic tests.
Caballero stated that these figures indicate a healthcare crisis worse than during the pandemic, criticising the regional government, known as the Xunta, for attributing the situation solely to a doctors' strike while neglecting its responsibility in the matter. He argued that the administration has subjected healthcare professionals to "unbearable pressure."
The mayor also pointed out the recent closures of health centres in Nicolás Peña and López Mora, as well as the cessation of paediatric services in Coia, Pintor Colmeiro, López Mora, and Nicolás Peña, all of which have been relocated to the already overwhelmed Olimpia Valencia facility.
In conclusion, Caballero reiterated his belief that the current healthcare situation is the most "calamitous" in Vigo's history.
