Podemos Canarias says housing crisis hinders medical staff arrival in Fuerteventura

Podemos Canarias deputy Noemí Santana said on Friday in Puerto del Rosario that the severe housing crisis gripping the island is directly affecting the operation of the public health system and making it difficult for medical professionals to come to Fuerteventura.

During the day she worked on an agenda together with social and neighbourhood groups from the island and also took part in Podemos’ citizen assembly.

Earlier, the deputy met with the feminist association Arena and Laurisilva to discuss issues related to women’s social situation, access to housing, and the labour and social reality of many families living on the island.

In her press appearance, Santana criticised the tourism model and the current state of public services in Fuerteventura, insisting that rising rents and the expansion of holiday homes are having direct repercussions on essential sectors.

“In Fuerteventura it’s easier to find a hotel than a doctor,” the parliamentarian said, adding that many health specialists refuse to relocate to the island because they cannot find housing or afford the high rental prices.

Santana also called for the construction of a public hospital in the south of Fuerteventura to avoid the long trips that many patients from southern municipalities now have to make to the General Hospital.

She noted that many people spend hours travelling across the island to attend medical appointments, diagnostic tests or emergency services.

The event will conclude with Santana’s participation in the Podemos Citizen Assembly in Fuerteventura, where topics such as housing, health care, the water crisis and the rising cost of living on the island will be discussed.

Podemos Canarias defended the need to intervene in the housing market, expand public residential stock, curb speculation and strengthen public services to improve the quality of life for the island’s residents.