The authorities of Andalusia have announced the start of cooperation with private medical centers to carry out surgical operations. The program will launch in September 2025 and is planned to run for four years. A total of 533 million euros has been allocated for the project, making it the largest agreement of its kind in the region in recent years.
The regional government emphasizes that this step aims to reduce waiting times for scheduled surgeries and improve access to medical care for residents. According to officials, involving private clinics will help ease the burden on public hospitals and speed up service delivery for patients.
In recent months, Andalusia has seen a rise in the number of patients waiting for surgical procedures. According to the regional health ministry, waiting times for operations in public institutions often exceed acceptable limits. Authorities believe that cooperation with the private sector will help address this issue.
Unions and part of the medical community have met the initiative with caution. They fear that expanding the role of private clinics could weaken the public healthcare system and increase budgetary spending. Union representatives point out that such measures could set a precedent for further transferring public functions to private hands.
Nevertheless, the Andalusian government insists on the need for reforms. Officials emphasize that the agreement with private clinics does not negate commitments to develop and finance public hospitals. In their view, the temporary involvement of the private sector will help address accumulated problems more quickly and improve the quality of healthcare services.
Under the new program, private clinics will be able to carry out a wide range of surgical procedures in areas with the greatest resource shortages. The regional health ministry will retain oversight of the quality and volume of services provided.
It is expected that the first patients will be able to use private clinic services as early as autumn. Authorities promise transparency in the selection of medical institutions and oversight of allocated funds.
The role of the private sector in the healthcare system remains one of the most debated issues in Andalusia. The government’s decision could serve as an example for other regions of Spain, which are also facing challenges with access to medical care.
