Empty Waiting Rooms in Palma: Doctors' Protest Brings Friday to a Standstill

Empty chairs, loud whistles: This is what Friday looked like in Palma

By Friday afternoon, some clinics in Palma seemed deserted. No rescheduled admissions here, no muted phone calls there — instead, voices grew louder on Paseo del Borne: hundreds of doctors had closed their practices and gathered in front of the government delegation in Palma to protest against a planned new framework for the healthcare system.

I was there around 12:30. The sun flickered through a few clouds, an uncomfortable tramontana wind blew, and among the white coats banners rustled. Some shouted slogans, others stood still and spoke softly about overtime, temporary contracts and the fear that a new law would give them fewer rights rather than more.

What is the issue?

The central demand: a standalone professional statute for doctors. Many in the crowd told me they had felt burned out and undervalued in recent years. The Simebal union spoke of very high participation — especially among specialists the participation was almost nationwide. A doctor in his forties said: I do my job because I want to help, not to work myself to death.

Emergency services remained active, officials emphasized. No one was talking about endangering patients, they assured. Nevertheless: for many routine appointments the strike meant access difficulties and postponed examinations. At the reception of a small general practice on the edge of the old town hung a handwritten sign: Closed today – doctors strike. For emergencies call 112.

Voices from the crowd

Miguel Lázaro, the president of the local doctors' union, called the participation massive and spoke of protecting professional rights. Others called for the health minister's resignation and renegotiation of the draft. On the signs you could read: The dignity of our profession must remain — sober words that nonetheless carried emotion.

Government defends reform

From Madrid it says the reform aims to reduce precarious employment, overhaul on-call duties and, after years of stagnation, create a modern framework. The ministry stressed that the discontent is taken seriously — but that the package is considered necessary.

Although the debate is now playing out at the political level, the consequences are felt in concrete terms: patients with routine questions waited outside, appointments had to be postponed, and on some hospital portals requests clogged.

What remains?

The protest was loud, visible and full of resolve. Whether it will change the proposed law is open. For many here on the island, the sight of empty waiting rooms was an unfamiliar sign: when doctors step back, you immediately notice how central they are to everyday life. The discussion will surely continue for longer — and personally: I hope that in the end there will be a solution that protects doctors and does not leave patients out in the rain.

On site: Palma, Delegación del Gobierno, Friday, 12:30–14:30. Many clinics took part; emergency care remained available.