Unions raise their voice in response to the healthcare crisis in Muface.

The climate of uncertainty surrounding the General Mutuality of Civil State Officials (Muface) has led the CSIF union to raise its voice and take strong measures in defense of the rights of the mutualists. In response to the numerous complaints received, the union has decided to take its demands to the Ombudsman, where it will file a formal complaint in response to the “hundreds of complaints” from those affected. These complaints reflect a concerning situation in which clinics are canceling, delaying, and suspending medical appointments and surgical interventions, leaving many officials vulnerable due to a lack of healthcare. CSIF has reported that, in some cases, clinics have even requested that officials pay out of pocket for treatments if they wish to be seen. This fact, deemed unacceptable by the union, underscores the growing concern for the protection of the mutualists' right to health, who feel threatened in their access to adequate medical care as stipulated by law. The organization has emphasized that many of these complaints come from individuals with chronic illnesses or those requiring urgent medical attention, further exacerbating the situation. The union plans to go to Congress next Wednesday to formally register the complaints received. The goal is for parliamentary groups to become aware of the critical situation and present initiatives that help preserve the Muface model, which has been a fundamental pillar in the healthcare of public employees. Pressure on the system is intensifying as the date for the new tender for Muface healthcare approaches, scheduled for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The recent preliminary consultation launched by the Government to gather proposals from insurers interested in participating in the healthcare agreement has left many in the civil service community feeling uneasy. The first tender was left vacant after the withdrawal of the three insurers that traditionally provided the service: Adeslas, Asisa, and DKV. This setback has not only jeopardized the continuity of the service but has also generated an atmosphere of distrust among mutualists, who wonder how the quality of medical care will be guaranteed in the future. In this context of discontent, various civil service unions have decided to join forces to initiate a campaign of mobilizations starting on December 11. The coalition of unions such as CCOO, UGT, ANPE, ADIDE, USIE, UFP, SUP, ACAIP, and SIAT demonstrates the magnitude of the discontent and the urgency to act in defense of dignified healthcare for public employees. However, it is notable that CSIF has chosen to manifest separately on December 14 in Madrid, demanding explicit defense of Muface. The current situation poses a significant challenge for the Government, which must balance the needs of the mutualists with the viability of the healthcare system. The market consultation closed last Wednesday is a preliminary step to understand the interest of insurers in participating in the Muface system, but many wonder if this will be enough to resolve the current issues. The lack of bids in the first tender has fueled concerns that the system may enter a process of deterioration, affecting not only the mutualists but the entire structure of public healthcare. The future of Muface and its ability to provide quality services to officials is at stake. The pressure from unions and the Government's response in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether a model that has worked in the past can be maintained or whether it will be forced to adopt changes that could ultimately harm the mutualists. Next week will be key, with the presentation of complaints and the CSIF demonstration, where the voice of the officials is expected to be heard clearly. The mutualists, who have been living with uncertainty and fear of losing their rights, deserve answers and guarantees. The current situation demands that all parties involved commit to working together to preserve access to quality healthcare, preventing public employees from being the most affected by the uncertainty of the system. The health of thousands of officials depends on this, and it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that their rights are defended and respected.