Residents and doctors in Torrevieja demand improved funding for the healthcare system

Over 400 people (Información, 6/11/2025) gathered last weekend outside Torrevieja Hospital to demand that the Valencian Community Government and the regional Ministry of Health increase funding and resources for the Torrevieja Health Department. The rally was organized by the Vega Baja Public Health Platform.

The organizers noted that the situation in the region remains critical: while the regional average funding is around 10%, in Torrevieja this percentage has fallen to 6% (Alicante Plaza, 5/11/2025), which, according to the participants, directly impacts the quality of medical care and the workload of staff. Protesters emphasized that doctor shortages, long waiting lists, and overcrowded emergency departments have become the norm, and demanded "immediate action" from the Valencian government (Información, 6/11/2025).

Since the hospital's return to public management in 2021 (source: Generalitat Valenciana, Conselleria de Sanitat, comunicado de 2021), following the termination of the contract with the private company Ribera Salud (source: Levante-EMV, 2021), local residents and unions have repeatedly reported deteriorating working conditions and a decline in service levels (Información, 2022–2025). The Platform's representatives believe that the region's healthcare system needs real planning and sustainable funding to ensure adequate care for the department's more than 180,000 inhabitants (source: Ministerio de Sanidad, Padrón Municipal 2024), especially during the tourist season, when the population doubles (source: INE y Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja, estimaciones de temporada alta 2023–2024).