Since this week, Mijas has a public space that pays tribute to the health workers who fought against COVID in an unprecedented pandemic in recent history. The Mayor of Mijas, Josele González (PSOE), along with members of the corporation, representatives of the health system, and social groups were present at the inauguration of this roundabout located on the Carretera de Mijas on 17th August.
“Our health professionals became family, comfort and hope for the patients who, isolated, managed to see a ray of light thanks to their commitment and humanity. Also, for a whole society that during this time turned to recognise every day, from the balconies, from every corner of our country, the commendable work that our heroes in white coats carried out”. The Mijas Councillor, in his speech, took the opportunity to express the need to “protect our health system, that has been a benchmark worldwide. Health workers are increasingly facing situations of tension and violence as a result not of professional malpractice, but a cutback policy, where there are fewer and fewer staff to ensure safety for the Mijas people”.
The First Deputy Mayor, José Carlos Martín (Cs), wanted to dedicate his first words “to the memory of all the people who lost their lives because of the COVID-19. We must not and cannot forget them. From today onwards, we will remember what they did in our most recent history when we pass by this roundabout. They were never considered heroes, but they did their job the best they knew. They fought for life, to alleviate pain, and care for others. History may not remember their names or those of all those who died, but we will never forget them.
Universal healthcare and the work of its health professionals were highlighted during the ceremony. Also, they mentioned the support they received from the Mijas people during all this time. “When we ran out of materials, there were people who altruistically gave us handmade masks. The people have turned to us,” said Javier Jiménez, a male nurse at the Las Lagunas Health Centre, who emphasised how the pandemic “changed our way of working and gave a 360-degree turn to our profession”.
His colleague, Yolanda Cano, contracted COVID while working as a nurse at the Costa del Sol Hospital and was in ICU for 16 days. “I had to learn to walk, eat, brush my teeth, which was commonplace, but I struggled for a long time. I am still struggling with the after-effects after a year and a half. We, health professionals, are great professionals. Some of us have lost our health, others their lives and yet others continue to fight to help others”, said Cano in one of the most emotional moments of the evening.
People’s tribute
A tribute in which the local residents agreed, although some members of the municipal corporation recalled the need to support public health with funding. Thus, the PP Councillor for Mijas, Mario Bravo, stated, “ there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the health workers deserve this tribute. It was one of the groups that stepped forward when we were all afraid, when we were all scared and didn’t know what to do. A people’s group stepped forward, even in the face of fear and danger that they knew better than anyone else.
The non-attached Councillor, Esperanza Jiménez, “I would like to thank, on behalf of all Mijeños and Mijeñas, the health workers for all their kindness and dedication. In fact, I think it is not enough, and that is why we should go one step further with them”.
A monument that, as explained by the Public Roads Councillor, Nicolás Cruz (PSOE), “is part of a global project to highlight three specific points with sculptural elements in Mijas Pueblo, La Cala de Mijas, and Las Lagunas. Specifically, we decided to place it on one of the municipality entrance road, on Mijas road, since it is a busy one. We are highlighting, even more, this space dedicated to professionals who have given their all for society”.
It is worth saying this roundabout dedicated to health workers was approved in a Plenary Session in May 2020.
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