Doctors and medical staff in several autonomous regions, including the Valencian Community, have begun a 48-hour strike demanding improved pay and working conditions, as well as the creation of a separate Medical and Facultative Statute. The protest has been called by the Agrupación por un Estatuto Médico y Facultativo, which represents unions across Spain.

In the Valencian Community, the regional health department has set minimum service levels similar to previous strikes. Hospitals are operating emergency services and essential units as on a Sunday, while areas such as dialysis, radiotherapy, intensive care and reanimation are running normally. Other services, including scheduled surgery and outpatient consultations, are operating at reduced capacity.

The strike affects primary, hospital and out-of-hospital care, as well as medical residents. Organisers estimate that around 175,000 doctors, roughly two thirds of the profession nationwide, are eligible to take part. A central demonstration is taking place in Madrid, from Congress to the Ministry of Health.

Medical unions say years of excessive workloads, long hours and lack of meaningful dialogue have led to the protest. They warn they will continue mobilising if their demands are not addressed, while the Valencian health minister has criticised the national government’s handling of the reform process.