Statement of Support for Spanish Junior Doctors
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN) of the World Medical Association (WMA) stands in solidarity with Spanish junior doctors in their concerns over the proposed new draft of the Framework Statute for Healthcare Personnel by the Spanish Ministry of Health.
This reform threatens professional development, working conditions, and physician well-being. The WMA JDN supports their call for fair employment conditions, adequate remuneration, and a sustainable healthcare workforce.
Key Concerns and International Best Practices
- Employment Restrictions: The proposed clause preventing junior doctors from working in both public and private sectors for five years post-training limits career flexibility and workforce sustainability. Physician autonomy is essential for job satisfaction and retention (WMA Statement on Physicians Well-Being, 2015).
- Excessive Working Hours: The statute does not enforce compliance with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD), risking physician burnout and patient safety. Prolonged shifts contribute to fatigue-related errors. We urge the need to adherence to the EWTD standards.
- Insufficient Rest Periods: The lack of guarantees for post-shift rest, especially after 24-hour on-call duties, contradicts best practices for physician well-being. Adequate rest is crucial to prevent burnout and ensure patient safety.
- Low Salaries: Resident and junior doctors in Spain earn some of the lowest salaries in Western Europe. Financial instability discourages retention and recruitment. The WMA advocates for fair remuneration to sustain a high-quality healthcare workforce.
Support for Collective Action
When physicians’ working conditions deteriorate, collective action—including protests—is a legitimate means of advocacy (WMA Statement on the Ethical Implications of Collective Action by Physicians, 2012; reaffirmed 2022). The WMA JDN fully supports Spanish junior doctors in their efforts to secure fair treatment and sustainable working conditions.
The general demonstration organized by Spanish medical colleges and unions highlights the urgency of these concerns. The WMA JDN calls on the Spanish government to engage in constructive dialogue with medical representatives to develop solutions that protect both physicians and patients.
The WMA JDN urges the Spanish government to reconsider the proposed Framework Statute to align with international labour standards and physician well-being principles. National and international stakeholders must support Spanish junior doctors in advocating for just working conditions.
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About the World Medical Association Junior Doctors Network (WMA JDN)
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN) serves as an international platform for junior doctors to facilitate an open dialogue of global events and activities that are relevant to their postgraduate training and the World Medical Association (WMA). Its mission is to empower junior physicians to work together towards a healthier world through advocacy, education, and international collaboration.
You can learn more about the WMA JDN here or contact us at chair.jdn@wma.net
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