Ceuta: nurses' union SATSE reports migrants arriving with knives and firearms

Ceuta: nurses' union SATSE reports migrants arriving with knives and firearms

Healthcare services in Ceuta are operating under emergency conditions. The regional general secretary of SATSE, Spain's nursing union, has denounced that migrants arriving in the city are carrying bladed weapons and firearms, and that medical staff have been suturing wounds continuously for a month. The system is on the brink of collapse.

But the reality is more complex: among healthcare workers themselves there are those who question the handling of the crisis and those calling for reinforcements, while the debate over how to address the mass arrivals intensifies.

SATSE's complaint: knives and firearms

The nursing union SATSE has warned that migrants entering Ceuta are carrying bladed weapons and firearms. According to the regional general secretary, staff are routinely treating knife wounds, with continuous suturing for at least a month. Some of the injured show injuries from machetes or pocket knives, leading to comparisons with a field hospital in a war zone.

Meanwhile, some downplay the issue, claiming these are just "fights among lads", but the strain is real and healthcare professionals are demanding more protection.

The healthcare collapse: data and figures

According to published reports, there are around 10,000 undocumented migrants in Ceuta, which has sent emergency visits soaring. Cases of cocaine and hierba intoxication have been recorded, as well as syphilis, tuberculosis and typhoid fever, with at least one death showing symptoms of the latter. In addition, a patient with active chickenpox fled the hospital, increasing the risk of contagion.

Doctors in Ceuta speak of a "care catastrophe" and contradict Spain's Health Minister, Mónica García, who had downplayed the situation.

Staff safety under threat

Nurses in Ceuta carry out home visits escorted by private security, after a group of more than 30 migrants surrounded them. SATSE's complaint highlights the lack of protection, and some healthcare workers are even considering strike action or sick leave as pressure measures.

Mixed reactions

While some see this as an undeclared war, others downplay the matter. Some criticise SATSE's general secretary for her communication, arguing that her role is to provide care, not to manage the crisis. The Health Minister has been contradicted by doctors in Ceuta, who deny that the situation is under control.

There is no sign of a short-term resolution. Meanwhile, Ceuta's health system continues to operate in emergency mode, and the question is how much longer it can hold out before the crisis becomes a major public health problem.