Hundreds protest Spanish health cuts

Spanish public health workers protest in Madrid against government cuts
with a sign reading: 'Save people not banks.' Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters

PROTESTERS have marched in Madrid against a a new government measure restricting free health care for some immigrants, which has already provoked a revolt by some doctors and regional health bodies.

Hundreds of people demonstrated noisily against the measure, which will limit access to free health care for immigrants without full legal status in Spain. Other Spanish cities also hosted demonstrations.

Previously, such immigrants had access to free care in the public health system. From Saturday however only children, pregnant women and people needing emergency medical care will be eligible: others will have to pay.

Conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's government introduced the new restrictions as part of its austerity program to tackle the country's debt crisis.

But seven of Spain's 17 regional health authorities have already said they will not implement the measure and many doctors and nurses have insisted they will continue to treat those affected by the change for free.

Rights groups Medecins du Monde (Doctors of the World) and Amnesty International have also denounced the new measure as a violation of basic rights.

-  AFP