As per a report by the Economic and Social Council (CES), the Spanish health system is facing significant challenges, with mental health being identified as “one of the weakest chapters.” The report highlights the need for urgent attention to address the crisis in personnel within the healthcare sector, emphasizing that the quality and accessibility of medical care are at stake.
The report points out that despite the growth of the healthcare sector in recent years, challenges such as a deficit of specialist medical personnel, imminent retirements, and lack of generational change in certain specialties are persisting. It is estimated that the next five years will be critical, but there is hope for a gradual rejuvenation in the workforce by 2027.
The CES recommends various actions to address these challenges, including the full operationalization of the state registry of health professionals to better plan and manage human resources. Additionally, improving working conditions, employment stability, and work-life balance are deemed essential to attract professionals to underserved areas and prevent excessive rotation.
Furthermore, the report underscores the significance of strengthening primary care within the Spanish health system. With an aging population and an increasing burden of chronic illnesses, primary care is identified as the cornerstone of the healthcare system. The CES proposes the full implementation of the AP Action Plan 2022-2023 to enhance primary care’s resolution capacity and prioritize preventive care.
However, the report highlights mental health as a critical issue within the Spanish health system, noting a significant increase in mental health consultations over the years. Despite the rising demand for mental health services, the resources allocated to mental healthcare in the public sector remain insufficient, leading to a dependence on private sector services.
To address the mental health crisis, the CES recommends increasing resources for mental health services, expanding therapeutic approaches, and enhancing preventive measures, especially for children and adolescents. The report also emphasizes the importance of public-private collaboration in improving the overall performance of the health system while ensuring quality assurance and efficiency in service delivery.
In conclusion, the CES report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the Spanish health system to ensure quality care, address workforce shortages, and strengthen mental healthcare services. It calls for a coordinated effort from all stakeholders to overcome the challenges and build a resilient and efficient healthcare system for the future.