A new scandal is unfolding in Andalusia over the early breast cancer detection program. The regional prosecutor’s office has begun reviewing a complaint submitted by the Defensor del Paciente association, which reports serious delays in screenings. The authorities must now decide whether there are grounds to launch a formal investigation.
In the appeal, registered last week, the organization calls for an inquiry into whether staff of the regional health service were negligent in implementing the program. According to the complainants, failures in the system may lead to a deterioration in women’s health, a decrease in their quality of life, and additional costs for the healthcare budget.
However, the issue did not end there. Over the weekend, representatives of the political group Izquierda Unida filed another statement with the prosecutor’s office. In it, they accuse current and former leaders of the Andalusian health ministry of possible crimes related to official negligence, as well as endangering health and even causing death to patients through carelessness.
Meanwhile, the association of women who have survived breast cancer (Amama) is holding an emergency meeting to decide whether to take the matter to court. As early as Tuesday, victims from across the region will meet to share their experiences and seek legal advice. Over the weekend, Amama issued a sharp statement, calling the situation a flagrant case of negligence that could lead to criminal charges. The organization also questioned the comments made by the head of the regional government, Juan Manuel Moreno, who explained that patients with questionable screening results were not informed in order to avoid causing them anxiety. According to Amama, such an approach only heightens tension and distrust.
The Andalusian Ombudsman has also joined the investigation. On Friday, he announced on social media that he had begun collecting testimonies from affected women to take further action. Meanwhile, the regional leader is trying to ease public concern, assuring that authorities are working urgently to determine the cause of the failure and to prevent similar incidents in the future. Moreno admitted that he himself learned about the issue too late, as the information systems malfunctioned and failed to relay important details to him in time.
