The General Council of Dentists of Spain has expressed its concern about the "critical situation" that Ceuta and Melilla are experiencing due to the migration crisis, and has demanded from the Government an "immediate" and "extraordinary" reinforcement of health resources in the two autonomous cities.
In a note disseminated to the media, the collegiate body explains that the arrival in recent weeks of tens of thousands of migrants has pushed the public services of Ceuta and Melilla to the limit. After maintaining contacts with the presidents of the Official Colleges of Dentists of both demarcations, the General Council of Dentists emphasizes that the scenario is "complex" due to the "scarcity" of available resources.
The two Colleges agree that there has been an exponential increase in people requiring general and dental medical attention, and warn of the spread of infectious diseases linked to overcrowding and lack of hygiene, including scabies and tuberculosis.
In light of this situation, the General Council of Dentists demands from the Government of Spain an "immediate and extraordinary reinforcement" of health and epidemiological resources in Ceuta and Melilla, in order to provide an adequate response to the current situation.
The Council also considers it essential that the medical attention regularly received by the population of these territories is not diminished, as it understands that the healthcare capacity allocated to the entire citizenry is being reduced.
"Therefore, the Government must urgently provide the necessary resources that preserve the right of the people of Ceuta and Melilla to receive quality healthcare and, at the same time, dignified attention to those who arrive," it adds.
Finally, the Council conveys its solidarity and support to the inhabitants of Ceuta and Melilla and recognizes the work of all healthcare professionals who are facing this "serious situation" under "immeasurable pressure."