Over 30,000 people gathered in Madrid on Sunday to protest against the region’s health policies. The protest, under the slogan “Let’s save our public health,” started from four different points across the city. The event was organized by Vecinas y vecinos de los barrios y pueblos, a platform uniting residents from both urban and rural areas. Participants expressed frustration about staff shortages and long waiting times for medical appointments. They carried banners criticizing the dismantling of the public health system and accused the regional government of favoring privatization. Organizers reported that around one million people are currently on waiting lists, and tens of thousands of children lack access to paediatricians. Despite being Spain’s richest region, Madrid shows poor public health results.
Protest leaders demanded changes in the healthcare budget and management. They called for at least 25 percent of the regional budget to be allocated to primary care, highlighting that this investment reduces long-term costs and improves overall health. They emphasized the need to focus on prevention, not just treatment, and urged a complete shift in how healthcare resources are managed. The protesters linked ongoing problems directly to political decisions made by the regional administration. They demanded an immediate end to healthcare outsourcing and increased public funding.
Several left-wing politicians joined the demonstration and expressed support for the protesters’ demands. They pointed to data showing that many children and adults lack access to family doctors and paediatricians. Critics blamed the ties between the regional government and private health companies for these issues. Concerns were raised about how contracts with private firms have increased in value as personal connections between politicians and business groups grew stronger. The protest highlighted a widening political divide over Madrid’s healthcare policies. Citizens called for a public health system that prioritizes people’s needs over private profits.
This large protest reflects growing dissatisfaction with the state of public healthcare in Madrid. With millions of people waiting for care and essential services understaffed, residents and politicians are pushing for urgent reforms. The debate over Madrid’s health policies is likely to continue as the situation develops.