The President of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, commented on the situation surrounding Torrejón Hospital, which has become the center of a high-profile scandal. According to her, the conflict was sparked by internal disagreements among top managers, not by systemic issues within the region’s healthcare system. Ayuso emphasized that the authorities are closely monitoring the developments and are committed to ensuring full transparency.
During events dedicated to Constitution Day, the regional leader stated that the audio recordings which triggered public outcry had been taken out of context. She called for the full publication of the recordings so the public could independently assess the contents of the private conversation between the managers. In Ayuso’s opinion, this is the only way to uncover the truth and prevent manipulation.
Official response
The scandal erupted after the release of recordings in which the CEO of Ribera Salud, the group managing the hospital, urges subordinates to increase waiting lines and use “creative” methods to maximize profits, even if this may negatively affect patients. In response, Ayuso noted that a new inspection had already been launched, adding to over forty previous audits at the medical facility. She also stated that the hospital’s waiting time indicators are considered among the best, and staffing levels have been increased.
Madrid authorities reported that an internal investigation found no patient complaints or evidence of the reuse of single-use medical devices. Nevertheless, four managers who reported possible violations through the internal ethics channel were dismissed.
Political Fallout
The scandal in Torrejón has sparked widespread public and political reaction. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recalled Article 43 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to access the national healthcare system. He promised that the government will use every available tool to protect this right and resist the commercialization of healthcare.
Health Minister Mónica García also weighed in, emphasizing that the problem goes beyond isolated disputes among managers. In her view, these are systemic flaws in the Madrid healthcare model, where significant resources are allocated to private companies rather than developing public medicine.
Internal Disputes
In the published audio recordings, Ribera Salud CEO Pablo Gallart gave instructions to increase profits by lengthening waiting lists and prioritizing the most profitable medical services. Among the proposed measures was the reuse of expensive cardiology catheters, despite their designation as single-use items. According to dismissed employees, such actions could have led to violations of patients’ rights and a decline in the quality of medical care.
After these revelations came to light, the hospital management stated it had not received any complaints from patients and that all procedures complied with standards. Nevertheless, public distrust in private operators within the healthcare system intensified, and political opponents accused regional authorities of insufficient oversight of private companies.
Responses and consequences
Ayuso supported the decision to suspend the CEO of Ribera Salud, noting it was the appropriate step given the situation. She also emphasized that prior to the scandal, Torrejon Hospital had not drawn criticism and its waiting times remained among the best. Authorities promised to continue inspections and ensure full transparency in all processes.
At the same time, opposition representatives and the central government insist on the need to revise the model of cooperation with private companies in healthcare. They believe that such incidents undermine public trust in the system and call for stricter state oversight.
For reference, Isabel Díaz Ayuso has been President of the Madrid autonomous community since 2019 and is known for her tough stance on healthcare and regional governance. Ribera Salud is a major private company specializing in the management of medical institutions in Spain. Hospital Torrejón is considered a key healthcare facility in the region and has been repeatedly discussed in relation to privatization and performance issues.
