Spain: Protests against the “medical apartheid” ruled by Rajoy

Spain, September 1, 2012

The center of Madrid is filled with hundreds of people demonstrating against the “medical apartheid” ruled by the Government of Mariano Rajoy. The Spanish government decided not to give free health care to illegal immigrants over 18 years, triggering a wave of protests and criticism.

According to official sources, the measure affects more than 150,000 people. Meanwhile, the Popular Party government expects to save 500 million euros and reduce its fiscal deficit.

So, they announced that “undocumented immigrants will only receive emergency health care for accident or serious illness and pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum services, and those under 18 will receive the same services as the rest of the Spanish.”

Numerous social and medical groups expressed their opposition to the measure and said they will continue attending those who were left out of the healthcare system.