Results of a recent Ipsos study reveal that trust in the healthcare system managed by the central government has hit a record low in Ceuta and Melilla. For residents of these autonomous cities, healthcare has long been a critical issue, as the state is directly responsible for organizing medical services here. A score of 3.7 out of 10 reflects not only disappointment but also growing concern about the availability and quality of care.
Dissatisfaction and root causes
More than half of respondents in Ceuta (56%) and Melilla (52%) expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Health and the Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria (Ingesa). The main complaints center on the inability to see a doctor quickly and long wait times for appointments. According to Ipsos, 77% of Ceuta residents and 82% in Melilla struggle with extended queues, while 65% and 79%, respectively, report challenges booking appointments. The electronic booking system also draws criticism from 52% in Ceuta and 67% in Melilla.
Key factors shaping these negative perceptions include not only queues, but also a general sense that current measures are falling short. Some 58% of participants do not believe the government can effectively reduce waiting times. This creates an atmosphere of distrust and a growing sense of disconnect from decisions made in Madrid.
Context and comparisons
The situation in Ceuta and Melilla is different from most regions of Spain, where healthcare is managed by the autonomous communities. Here, all decisions are made at the central government level, often leading to conflicts and misunderstandings between local residents and officials. According to Ipsos, residents of these two cities are more likely than others to feel that their problems are being ignored.
The question of who should manage key areas of life has repeatedly sparked debate in Spain. For example, recent discussions on regulating clothing in public spaces have also highlighted how strongly regions react to attempts by the central government to impose its rules. More details on such conflicts can be found in the report on disputes between cities and Madrid regarding the burqa ban — read more about the tensions between the regions and the central government.
Methodology and survey details
The Ipsos study was conducted through telephone interviews (CATI) with 400 adult residents of Ceuta and Melilla. This approach provided a representative picture of public sentiment and helped identify key concerns. According to russpain.com, such surveys are increasingly in demand because they reveal citizens’ real expectations and concerns, not just official statistics.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly seen surges of dissatisfaction with the quality of medical services, particularly in regions with special status or complex logistics. In 2024, similar complaints were reported in some areas of the Canary Islands, where residents also pointed out issues with access to specialists and long waiting times. In other autonomous communities, where healthcare management is handled locally, the situation often proves to be more flexible, allowing for faster responses to public needs. However, in Ceuta and Melilla, the issue remains unresolved, and trust in the central government continues to decline.
