A Cuban doctor, employed in the emergency services of Ceuta, Spain, found herself at the center of a dramatic encounter during Health Minister Mónica García's visit. The minister left the Government Delegation without addressing the medical professionals who were eager to speak with her.
This tense scene was captured in two videos shared on Instagram by journalist Verónica Muñoz Martínez. The footage shows the Cuban doctor rushing towards the official car of the minister, shouting, "Madam Minister, we doctors want to speak with you! The emergency doctors want to talk to you!"
García's visit occurred on a Sunday, 16 days after the onset of a significant migration crisis. During this time, between 49,000 and 60,000 people crossed from Morocco to Ceuta illegally, marking the largest mass influx of migrants in Spain's recent history.
Outrage Among Medical Staff
The Cuban doctor did not hide her frustration from the cameras: "We, the emergency doctors, gathered here to speak with her, because we have been the ones directly affected by the situation. It's unbelievable that the minister, who is supposed to represent us in healthcare, would have the audacity to get into her car without even showing us respect."
The doctor went further, demanding García's resignation: "She should step down."
She also accused the hospital of being spruced up prior to the minister's arrival to downplay the severity of the crisis: "They're cleaning now because the minister is coming, so she can say there's no collapse. Everything is clean now."
A Call to Action
The doctor urged García, an anesthesiologist, to honor her medical oath by being present in Ceuta from the start of the crisis: "She has the means. Being a medical professional, she should have demonstrated her commitment from day one by joining us here and putting on gloves."
In another video, the Cuban doctor expressed concern about the potential spread of diseases unfamiliar to Europe among both the local population and healthcare workers.
"I am Cuban. In my country and throughout Latin America, there are many diseases specific to those regions that are not known here in Europe. But we're in the African continent," she explained.
She recounted treating a patient who had never been vaccinated and fainted at the sight of a needle. She criticized those who downplay the risk: "If we, as healthcare professionals, are worried, then how is the general public supposed to feel?"
Public Outcry and Government Response
García's visit was met with boos and chants of "resignation" from citizens and healthcare professionals alike.
According to Libertad Digital, the minister dismissed claims of a collapse as "alarmist," while acknowledging the system was "stressed," with Emergency, Primary Care, and Internal Medicine departments facing increased pressure. She reported that 5,800 migrants had been treated in the 15 days leading up to her visit.
The Official Medical College of Ceuta had warned on August 7 of an "assistance catastrophe," and medical unions described the emergency situation as a "disaster zone." Cases of scabies and impetigo were identified among the migrants, and despite previous denials from the health agency INGESA, the minister confirmed two cases of tuberculosis during her visit.
Thousands of Cuban doctors have emigrated to Spain, working in emergency services, primary care, and nursing homes across various cities, including Ceuta. Many have had to navigate a lengthy process of degree validation, which the Cuban regime has systematically hindered by obstructing the issuance of necessary non-disqualification certificates for professional registration.
Understanding the Ceuta Crisis
What sparked the migration crisis in Ceuta?
The crisis began when tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta illegally, marking a significant and unprecedented influx of migrants into Spain.
How are Cuban doctors impacted by the crisis in Ceuta?
Cuban doctors working in Ceuta's emergency services are directly affected as they deal with increased pressure and risk of disease exposure, while also navigating challenges related to degree validation and professional registration.
What measures has the Spanish government taken in response to the crisis?
The Spanish government, through the health minister's visit, acknowledged the strain on the healthcare system but downplayed claims of a collapse. Measures include assessing and responding to the increased demand on healthcare services.