Significant changes have taken place in the Andalusian government: Antonio Sanz has been appointed head of the regional health department. This decision comes amid a high-profile scandal involving delays in breast cancer examinations. Regional authorities hope that the new department head will stabilize the situation and restore public trust in the healthcare system.
Antonio Sanz, originally from Jerez de la Frontera, has long been seen as one of the key players in Andalusian politics. In the past, he served as deputy advisor for the presidency and was a delegate of the central government in the region. Over recent years, his influence within the executive branch has grown, especially after Elías Bendodo moved to Madrid. Now, Sanz will be in charge of the largest-budget department in the Andalusian government, as more than 15 billion euros are allocated for healthcare.
Until recently, Sanz oversaw several areas at once: internal affairs, social dialogue, and administrative reforms. However, following his new appointment, he will likely need to delegate some of his previous responsibilities to colleagues in order to focus on urgent issues in healthcare. The former head of the department, Rocío Hernández Soto, stepped down amid criticism over failures in organizing screenings and delays in diagnosis.
The new head of healthcare faces a difficult task: not only to address the aftermath of the crisis, but also to implement reforms that will help prevent similar situations in the future. With just a few months left until the elections in Andalusia, public opinion of the current government will largely depend on how effective Sanz is in this role. A minor cabinet reshuffle is also expected in the near future, aiming to redistribute ministerial responsibilities and strengthen oversight over key sectors.
