The decision by the Andalusian Prosecutor’s Office regarding failures in the breast cancer screening programs has marked an unexpected turn for the entire regional healthcare system. This case has drawn attention not only because of the scale of affected patients, but also because of how the authorities address potential errors in public institutions. For many Andalusia residents, trust in medical services has once again become a topic of intense public discussion.
The investigation, launched after complaints from patient advocacy groups, women facing diagnostic issues, and several political parties, focused on five senior officials of the regional health ministry. The spotlight was on violations of screening protocols that could have resulted in delayed diagnoses and insufficient communication to patients about their examination results.
Case archive
The prosecutor’s office of the autonomous community, which holds the authority to investigate actions of public officials, has decided to drop proceedings in three complaints. The review found no evidence of criminal acts by two officials who have immunity. The other individuals involved—the former department head, ex-deputy minister, and the director of the regional health service—are also currently exempt from criminal prosecution at this stage.
Complaints were filed by the Patients’ Association, sixteen women who personally faced issues, and political movements advocating for transparency and accountability in healthcare. Their statements highlighted cases of inadequate follow-up for patients with unclear screening results, insufficient communication between doctors and patients, and difficulties in identifying those affected due to incomplete data in medical records.
Transfer of the Investigation
Despite the case being closed at the regional level, the prosecutor’s office forwarded the materials to provincial authorities—specifically, to Jaén, Córdoba, Sevilla, Málaga, Granada, and Almería. These are the provinces where the women involved in the complaints reside. Local prosecutors must now assess whether there are grounds for further action and if it is possible to identify specific responsible individuals in those areas.
This approach is due to the need for a more detailed examination of each case. It is important that further checks do not worsen the situation for those affected and are conducted as close to their place of residence as possible. This will not only speed up the process but also take into account the individual particularities of each case.
Essence of the Complaints
The complaints provided detailed descriptions of issues with screening protocols: the lack of clear algorithms for patients with inconclusive results, insufficient information about the examinations carried out, as well as instances where primary care physicians failed to provide necessary support. In addition, difficulties in obtaining feedback and the inability to identify some affected individuals due to missing contact information in the system were also noted.
A separate issue was raised regarding access to medical care for those who had sought help at private clinics or were not registered in state databases. All of this created an atmosphere of uncertainty and distrust, prompting such a large-scale investigation.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced scandals linked to errors in medical protocols and a lack of transparency in the work of public services. In 2024, a similar case was discussed in Catalonia, where delays in diagnosis led to a wave of patient complaints. Investigations were also launched then, but no criminal cases were initiated against the management of institutions.
In other regions of the country, such as Valencia and Murcia, patients and public organizations have repeatedly called for a review of screening procedures and better communication between doctors and patients. These stories show that the problem is not limited to a single autonomous region, but affects Spain’s entire healthcare system. Issues of accountability and transparency remain pressing, and each new investigation draws attention to the need for reform.
