Spain's Health Department threatens Ceuta doctors over media contact
The Health Department has warned doctors in Ceuta, Spain, that it will take action against anyone speaking to the media, sparking a row over silence in the public health system.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Health Department threatens Ceuta doctors: no talking to the media
Can a public health doctor speak to the press? In Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city in North Africa, the answer seems to be a resounding no. According to information reported by El Debate, the Health Department has warned physicians that it will take action against anyone who contacts the media. Amid a shortage of specialists, the message does not sound like an empty threat: it has even been claimed that the authorities would rather go without specialists than have doctors criticising the government.
The comparison with 2020 is immediate. Back then, a similar episode took place against professionals who aired shortcomings. If the pattern repeats, health management would become a problem of administrative silence. Meanwhile, the MEMA (the local doctors' association) already has its own measures ready, although the discussion does not clarify what they are. The question of whether the response will be a transfer to mainland Spain also remains open, a kind of classic punishment for those who step out of line.
The underlying issue is simple: the freedom of expression of healthcare professionals should not be a bargaining chip in a political dispute. But we live in times when a warning does not trigger resignations and, as is sourly noted, someone is still surprised. Perhaps the only surprising thing is that there are still people who did not expect it.
Can a public health doctor speak to the press? In Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city in North Africa, the answer seems to be a resounding no. According to information reported by El Debate, the Health Department has warned physicians that it will take action against anyone who contacts the media. Amid a shortage of specialists, the message does not sound like an empty threat: it has even been claimed that the authorities would rather go without specialists than have doctors criticising the government.
The comparison with 2020 is immediate. Back then, a similar episode took place against professionals who aired shortcomings. If the pattern repeats, health management would become a problem of administrative silence. Meanwhile, the MEMA (the local doctors' association) already has its own measures ready, although the discussion does not clarify what they are. The question of whether the response will be a transfer to mainland Spain also remains open, a kind of classic punishment for those who step out of line.
The underlying issue is simple: the freedom of expression of healthcare professionals should not be a bargaining chip in a political dispute. But we live in times when a warning does not trigger resignations and, as is sourly noted, someone is still surprised. Perhaps the only surprising thing is that there are still people who did not expect it.
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (58 replies).
More summaries
-
Government Admits Ceuta Reports Were Commissioned by What The Fav and Cost €600,000
The government admits that reports on Ceuta from What The Fav, a company owned by Zapatero's daughters, cost €600,000. They were delivered on July 30.
-
Ceuta: the police report some say exists and others deny
A police report on Ceuta with 32 photographs, according to how it has been described, and the state of exception some are calling for, which does not fit under Article 116.3
-
Real estate holdings of Montse Mínguez's partner spark PSOE controversy
Sergi Vélez, partner of PSOE spokesperson Montse Mínguez, manages Nest Capital with 30 rental properties, according to Artículo14. The case reignites debate over...
-
Calls to ban Spain's PSOE: a debate with no facts
The debate over outlawing Spain's PSOE is back, with no data or legal arguments. An analysis of a recurring topic that mixes emotion with little substance.
-
Gistert: Muslims in Ceuta defend Spain, says Spanish politician
Pizzpi Gistert said the Muslims of Ceuta, Spain, are patriots. The nationalist wing has turned on him. The identity debate explodes.
-
Spain tops EU unemployment for 33 straight months
Spain leads EU unemployment at 11.3%: 33 consecutive months without losing first place. The official figure clashes with the debate over real unemployment.