The Canary Islands Government, led by President Fernando Clavijo, has announced a new health plan for the island of El Hierro in response to the expected surge in migrant arrivals this autumn. The plan aims to enhance medical support for migrants arriving by cayuco (canoe) while ensuring that healthcare services for the island’s residents remain unaffected.
Clavijo stated that many migrants arrive in a “very deteriorated” state, often requiring immediate medical and socio-health care. To address this, a dedicated primary care team has been established at the port of La Restinga, where many migrants land. Alongside this, a “strategic project” is being developed to prevent any reduction in the standard of healthcare available to local residents.
In recent days, the island has already seen a significant number of migrant arrivals; on Thursday morning, two cayucos arrived independently carrying 130 people, while an additional two vessels arrived on Wednesday with 375 migrants on board.
Clavijo commended the “enormous effort” of local healthcare workers in managing the challenging situation and stressed the importance of the new plan in supporting both migrants and the local community.
