Minister of Health Mónica García denied claims of a "healthcare collapse" in Ceuta during her visit to the autonomous city on Sunday, despite the system having treated over 5,800 individuals in the past 15 days following a mass influx of migrants at the end of July. García emphasized that while there is a humanitarian crisis and public health risks, there has been no systemic breakdown in healthcare services. She met with officials including the delegate of the government in Ceuta, Miguel Ángel Pérez, the director of the National Institute of Health Management, Isabel Muñoz, and the president of the autonomous city, Juan Jesús Vivas. According to García, the first day saw the treatment of 1,149 patients, with numbers decreasing since then to an average of around 300 per day. As of today, 101 people are hospitalized, with 28 being migrants. The minister noted that half of the hospital's capacity is currently occupied, but this does not constitute a collapse. She highlighted that the hospital’s capacity had been expanded from 175 beds to 212 and that more than 60 additional medical professionals have been hired. García stressed that no medical procedures or consultations have been suspended and that care for the local population has not declined. She pointed out that unlike during the pandemic, no medical staff had been recalled from vacation or reassigned from other areas. However, she acknowledged that certain departments such as emergency services, internal medicine, and some surgical units are under greater strain. Primary care, in particular, has faced increased pressure. García praised the dedication of healthcare workers, stating they have given "120 percent," and affirmed that the system has the capacity to handle higher demands without needing reinforcements from other regions. The minister reiterated that associating migration with disease is both unjust and xenophobic, emphasizing that migrants do not bring illnesses but can become ill. She called for the local government to provide safe and sanitary housing for migrants to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system. When asked about reports of sexual assaults in the area, García stated that five victims had received assistance through the city’s support services. During her visit, García was met with boos and chants calling for her resignation, with critics accusing her of neglecting the situation in Ceuta for two weeks after the migrant influx. Opposition figures, including members of the People’s Party, demanded her resignation, arguing that the healthcare system is overwhelmed and that the ministry bears responsibility for the crisis. They cited the high number of patients in emergency rooms, which reportedly exceeds usual levels by five times. García visited several healthcare facilities, including the Otero Health Center and the University Hospital of Ceuta, where she met with the personnel committee and representatives from the Medical Association. She plans to continue engaging with local stakeholders to address ongoing concerns and ensure adequate coordination between national authorities and the autonomous city. The debate over whether Ceuta is experiencing a healthcare crisis continues, with conflicting accounts emerging from different sources. While the minister insists there is no collapse, critics argue that the situation is far worse than officially acknowledged. The coming days will likely see further scrutiny of the healthcare response and potential policy adjustments based on evolving conditions on the ground.
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