A new scandal has erupted in Spain’s capital region, impacting not only the healthcare sector but also the political scene. The Madrid Socialist Party (PSOE) has officially filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office against Ribera Salud executive director Pablo Gallart. The complaint centers on audio recordings where the top manager discusses increasing hospital wait times at Torrejón de Ardoz in order to boost company profits. These statements sparked outrage among politicians and the public, raising questions about the transparency of public hospital management.
According to case materials seen by investigators, Gallart allegedly urged hospital leadership at a meeting to prioritize the company’s financial interests over patient care. Representatives of PSOE believe such actions may indicate mismanagement, corruption, and even crimes risking public health. The allegations also include the possible denial of medical services on discriminatory grounds—charges that have previously been leveled against former officials of the regional government.
Government response
After the release of the scandalous recordings, regional authorities led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso launched an internal investigation. The inquiry concluded that there were no violations in the hospital’s operations, and that the quality of medical care met all standards. However, these findings failed to convince the opposition and parts of the public, who continue to demand transparency and accountability.
The situation was further complicated by Ayuso’s two-day silence following the publication of the information. This fueled speculation of disarray within the regional president’s inner circle. Even People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo addressed the issue before Ayuso herself. In the end, the authorities stated that they preferred to wait for the results of the audit before making any official comments.
Internal Conflicts
In response to the allegations, representatives of the Madrid government and Ribera Salud sought to shift the focus from the company’s management onto employees who had reported unethical orders. According to them, Gallart was removed from management, but in reality he simply stepped down as hospital director while retaining other roles. Officials maintain that the disputed instructions did not affect the hospital’s daily operations, and that internal disagreements should not cast a shadow over the region’s entire healthcare system.
The scandal soon escalated: reports emerged that hospital staff were allegedly instructed to reuse single-use medical supplies. This information was recorded in the corporate ethics channel, but an official investigation found no evidence that such practices were actually implemented. Nevertheless, the mere existence of such instructions sparked further outrage.
Political repercussions
The escalation coincided with a time when regional authorities felt confident due to successes in other political battles. However, the sudden scandal surrounding the Torrejón hospital forced Ayuso and her team onto the defensive. Now, they have to explain not only the actions of private partners, but also their own healthcare policies, which have been controversial for years due to extensive privatization.
At the same time, the opposition is using the situation to ramp up pressure on the Madrid government. The Socialists are demanding a thorough investigation and that everyone involved be held accountable, as well as calling for a review of the management model for public hospitals. Public discontent is growing, and healthcare has once again become one of the most debated topics in the region.
Ongoing investigation
While investigators examine the circumstances of the case, representatives of Ribera Salud are trying to defend the actions of their management, claiming that the audio recordings, taken out of context, distort the real picture. The company has released clips from other recordings, in which Gallart speaks about being willing to work even without profit and the need to reduce wait times. However, these statements have failed to convince critics, who believe that the company’s financial interests were still prioritized over those of patients.
As a result, the scandal continues to escalate, drawing in more participants and raising new questions about Madrid’s healthcare system. Authorities and businesses are being forced to respond to public pressure, while the investigation promises to be long and complex.
For reference, Ribera Salud is a large private company specializing in the management of medical institutions in Spain. The group is actively involved in public-private partnership projects, including in the Madrid region. Pablo Gallart serves as the CEO and is responsible for the company’s development strategy. In recent years, Ribera Salud has repeatedly faced criticism for its management practices and the commercialization of healthcare.
