Spanish health workers stage fresh protest against cuts

MADRID (AFP) - Thousands of Spanish health workers clad in white medical garb marched in Madrid on Sunday in a fresh protest against government health cuts and privatisation plans, just days after a similar demonstration.

The latest action came after unions last week called on the region's 75,000 doctors, nurses and other health workers to stage protests and take strike action.

Several of the doctors at Sunday's protests said it was the first time they had ever joined a protest. They expressed fears that the privatisation of some services planned by the conservative-controlled regional authority would damage the quality of care.

"I think it's shameful to attack the health sector," said 43-year-old doctor Javier Perez. He had voted for the ruling conservative Popular Party at the last election but would not do so again, he added.