article_detail

If you have ever tried to see a doctor in the Region of Murcia in August and wondered whether anyone was actually working, this summer should offer some genuine reassurance. The Murcian Health Service (SMS) has announced it will bring in more than 6,500 additional professionals between now and September 30, covering everything from hospitals and health centres to emergency units along some of the region's busiest stretches of coastline.

 

The investment totals more than €37 million, up €2 million on last year, and the number of contracts is around 500 higher than the previous summer. Minister of Health Isabel Ayala put it simply: "Patient care is guaranteed, and coverage is also provided for vacations and leaves of absence for healthcare staff in the Region's healthcare centres."

 

The standout figure is the number of doctors. Around 455 physicians will join the SMS this summer, more than double the 200 or so hired during the same period in 2025. Ayala was warm in her acknowledgement of what that involves, thanking those professionals who "in some cases give up part of their summer holidays to continue serving the population with guarantees."

 

The broader workforce breaks down as follows: more than 4,000 non-physician healthcare professionals, including around 2,000 nurses alongside midwives, physiotherapists and radiodiagnostic technicians, plus approximately 1,800 administrative and support staff to keep services functioning behind the scenes.

 

For anyone living near or visiting the coast, the detail of what is being put in place is worth knowing. Eight permanent Primary Care Emergency Services (SUAP) are operating along the coast, in Águilas, Mazarrón, two in Cartagena, La Unión, San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar and Torre Pacheco, supported by seven Mobile Emergency Units (UME) in Águilas, Mazarrón, two in Cartagena, Torre Pacheco, La Manga-Centro and San Javier-San Pedro del Pinatar.

 

On top of these permanent services, the Puerto de Mazarrón will have medical and nursing staff every night and around the clock on public holidays, with a full Advanced Life Support service, six nurses and six technicians, running until September 1.

 

Águilas will have its emergency service reinforced every day from 3.00pm to 8.00am. Los Alcázares will have a dedicated Mobile Emergency Unit from June 26 to October 18, staffed by a doctor, a nurse and two emergency medical technicians.

 

La Manga Norte gets its own Advanced Life Support unit of six nurses and six technicians, and a non-emergency ambulance will be based in Puntas de Calnegre in Lorca to supplement the 061 service.

 

Red Cross ambulances will cover Mazarrón, with Civil Protection units in San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier and Los Alcázares.

 

On the primary care front, 170 of Murcia's 175 clinics will stay open throughout the summer, the highest number on record. A small number of consultations are being temporarily redirected in July: La Murta to Corvera, La Tercia to Marchena, Cabezo de la Plata and Cañada de San Pedro to Zeneta, and Matanzas to Santomera.

 

It is, by any measure, the most comprehensive summer healthcare operation the region has ever put in place.