More than 15,000 people have signed a petition calling for a 24-hour accident and emergency service at the health centre in Los Alcázares. The petition has been delivered by the Town Hall to the regional health authority in Murcia, acting on behalf of local residents.

The signatures were collected from summer 2025 onwards, including from some seasonal visitors, but campaigners say the total is still significant in a municipality with a population of just over 20,000. The petition also voices opposition to plans to build a sanitation incineration facility within the town.

Speaking last week, Health Councillor José Lajara praised neighbours’ associations and other groups for raising awareness. Mayor Mario Pérez said he was concerned at the lack of any response from the Regional Health Department, adding that the number of signatures exceeds the population of some towns that already have 24-hour health facilities.

Supporters argue that a round-the-clock service would benefit not only Los Alcázares, but parts of neighbouring San Javier, Torre Pacheco and Cartagena. The campaign comes amid wider tensions in Murcia’s regional health service, with staffing shortages and planned strike action by doctors.