A trade union has demanded action over an alleged cockroach infestation at a public health centre in Torre del Mar.
The CSIF union claimed in a press release that the problem has persisted for years despite repeated attempts to eradicate it.
It has now formally alerted management of the Axarquia health service over the conditions.
It claims cockroaches have repeatedly been found in areas used by both healthcare workers and patients.
According to CSIF, the insects have been reported ‘for several years, without effective and definitive control of the infestation’.
The union claims cockroaches have been discovered in staff bedrooms, the kitchen and living area, consultation rooms and other parts of the building.
In one particularly alarming allegation, the pests were found inside the kitchen extractor hood, close to devices already installed to capture or control the insects.
CSIF said previous efforts to tackle the problem had been clearly insufficient, claiming authorities had relied on occasional pest-control treatments and traps without identifying how the cockroaches were entering the building or where they were breeding.
The union described the hygiene conditions as ‘clearly deficient and unacceptable’ for a healthcare facility.
It warned that cockroaches can mechanically carry microorganisms and other biological contaminants, potentially exposing both employees and members of the public.
Although cockroaches themselves are not classified as biological agents under Spanish workplace regulations, CSIF said their ability to transport microorganisms and contaminate surfaces means the risk should be taken particularly seriously inside a health centre.
The union is now demanding a comprehensive eradication programme, including identifying and eliminating breeding sites, sealing possible entry points and addressing any deficiencies in cleaning and maintenance.
It has also called for an immediate review of workplace risk assessments and for staff and their representatives to be kept informed about measures being taken.
CSIF said the regional health administration has a responsibility to protect its workforce and ensure patients receive treatment in safe and hygienic surroundings.
The union warned that after years of recurring sightings, simply laying more traps or carrying out isolated pest-control treatments was no longer enough.
It is demanding ‘urgent and effective measures’ to eradicate the problem and guarantee what it described as safe working conditions and ‘dignified’ healthcare for patients.
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