Residents in this part of the Mar Menor are aggrieved at the lack of 24/7 A&E coverage in Los Alcázares

The Town Hall of Los Alcázares, acting on behalf of the local population, has delivered a petition signed by more than 15,000 people to the regional health authority in Murcia, demanding a 24-hour service at the local health centre and expressing opposition to plans to create a sanitation incineration facility in the municipality.

The petition was first created at events during the summer of 2025 and some of those signing must have been summer visitors, but even so the collection of more than 15,000 names is quite an achievement in a municipality with a population of only just over 20,000!

Speaking last week, Councillor for Health José Lajara praised the efforts of various neighbours’ associations and other groups in raising awareness of the campaign, while Mayor Mario Pérez expressed his concern over the lack of any comment from the Regional Health Department. He also pointed out that the number of signatures collected is actually higher than the total population of some municipalities where 24-hour health facilities exist!

As Sr Cervera mentioned, it is also worth noting that a 24-hour service would be beneficial not only to those living in Los Alcázares but also to others residing in neighbouring municipalities, such as areas of San Javier, Torre Pacheco and Cartagena. Certainly it would be a far preferable option rather than A&E cases having to travel all the way to La Unión, which is one of the alternatives being promoted.

This latest news comes at a tense time for the regional health service of Murcia, with 186,000 more patients about to be assigned to a new family GP and doctors announcing strike action as they protest over staffing shortages and working conditions.

 

For more local information in English including news, what’s on and visiting advice, contact the tourist offices in Los Alcázares (main telephone number 968 575756) or go to the home page of Los Alcázares Today.

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