Hundreds of residents in San Miguel de Salinas gathered on Wednesday outside the town’s health centre to demand its expansion. The facility, built more than 25 years ago when the town had around 3,200 residents, now serves more than 8,000 registered inhabitants, with the real population estimated to be much higher.

According to departmental health reports, consultations in San Miguel rose by 35,997 in 2025 compared with 2024, an increase of 66%. Campaigners argue the centre lacks space to add staff or services and is the worst equipped of the five basic health zones in the Torrevieja department. It does not qualify as an integrated health centre, meaning patients must travel to Torrevieja Hospital for some tests and specialist appointments.

An expansion costing an estimated €401,763 was agreed in principle in February 2023, and the municipal council formally backed the plan in May 2025. However, residents say no tender has been issued for drafting the project, and no construction date has been set.

The protest was organised by the Platform for Public and Quality Healthcare and the local residents’ association. They accuse the regional government and council of delays, warning that rapid housing growth — with 320 new homes approved last year — is not being matched by investment in public services.