More than a hundred people gather every month in the lobby of the health center of Elizondo. They have been fighting for months for quality public and decent health care. The Herb of Bethlehem of the Baztan Health Platform emphasizes that they are “enthusiastic” and “strong”. On the 4th of June, in addition to a meeting at 7:00 p.m., a bicycle march will be held at 6:00 p.m.: “We want to do something bigger and more spectacular.”

Since October 2024, the requirements have not changed: they require the fulfillment of the corresponding health worker ratios, the replacement of vacations and casualties of the workers, the care of the Basque workers and the adoption of measures to guarantee the stability of the workers. In reality, they should have three doctors and one and a half paediatricians, but currently, there is a half-day of work in paediatrics: “We’re not as bad at the moment as we were in summer, but doctors don’t have a family medical specialty.” In addition, they are afraid to stay with just one doctor like last summer: “There are no professionals to cover the summer holidays. In August of last year we had only one doctor and they patched with doctors from other towns.”

In addition, existing employees do not have a definitive contract; however, they renew their contract frequently. The herb says it causes them “a lot of uncertainty”: “You have to trust the doctor. Along with that, the doctor needs to know the details of your story, what happens to you, who you are...” He also claims that since September he has not had a Basque doctor: “It’s impossible to get a doctor.” In the afternoons, there are no Basque doctors among the workers who offer emergency services.

Without care and protection

The herb emphasizes that there is no such thing in neighboring towns and that they do not know well why people do not want to work in Elizondo. However, it is clear that they will continue to fight until the minimum requirements are met: “When we pass through the tunnels of Belate it seems that we don’t exist. The mountain is very nice, but then not to offer services. Coming here to spend the weekend or the holidays well, but those of us who live on a daily basis do not feel protected and cared for.”

Health care is not the only problem. He feels that more and more young people are moving abroad and that the population of the village is ageing: “Young people are leaving and we are losing a generation. We need more and more services for older people.” The elders are the closest to the meetings: “It will be for something.”