Extremadura Faces Up to 10-Day Healthcare Waits Over Christmas Amid Influenza Surge and Staff Shortages

Patients in Extremadura are experiencing significantly longer wait times for primary care appointments during the Christmas 2025 period, with some delays reaching as long as ten days. This delay is largely driven by an early and severe influenza outbreak—especially the K subclade of A (H3N2)—and shortages in medical staff as many doctors are absent on holiday or due to a recent four-day strike protesting a new health statute.

In health centers such as San Fernando and Los Pinos in Badajoz, appointments requested on December 22 are only being scheduled for January 2, reflecting the most extreme delays. Average wait times for primary care are 3.9 days in Cáceres and around four days in Badajoz, according to the regional health service (SES). However, these figures mask the variability seen in specific locations.

Medical professionals, including Evelio Robles, president of the Cáceres Medical College, have sounded the alarm about reduced capacity in many centers operating during this peak holiday time. They warn that this reduced capacity compromises both patient safety and overall system efficiency. Due to increased demand, many patients are turning to emergency services, adding strain to the healthcare infrastructure.

While SES reinforces that primary care remains guaranteed via 124 continuous care points operating outside normal hours, normalization is anticipated only after the holiday season. The situation remains precarious with potential for further infection increases still looming.