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Healthcare in Spain explained: public system (SNS) updates, waiting lists, new treatments, and public-health alerts. Practical news for residents and newcomers alike.
Get health news in your inbox every morning →Madrid doctors begin three-day strikes on October 28, with further rounds through December. Regional action continues in Andalucía, Catalonia, Valencia, and the Canary Islands over pay and 24-hour shifts. Unions postponed the national strike because of the early election.
→ Read the full digestUnions cancelled the national doctors' strike planned for October 30 after the election call caused the disputed health-worker statute to lapse. Regional strikes continue: the Canary Islands began first, Madrid, Catalonia, and the Valencia region join on October 28, and Andalusia in November. The five regions hold 64% of Spain's population.
→ Read the full digestA phase III trial found that a personalised mRNA vaccine plus pembrolizumab cut relapse or death risk by 42% in high-risk melanoma patients after surgery. At two years, 82.2% were recurrence-free, versus 70% with pembrolizumab alone. ESMO's president said it is premature to say how far the technology will reach.
→ Read the full digestThe National Health System's Interterritorial Council approved a draft order on October 23 to extend breast cancer screening from ages 50–69 to 45–74. Regions would phase in the change, starting within three years of entry into force. Coverage in the new age groups should approach 100% within six years.
→ Read the full digestA study published in Nature attributes more than 5,000 deaths in Spain this summer to extreme heat caused by climate change. Across 854 European cities, it estimates 50,000 heat-related deaths. Barcelona had the second-highest death toll in Europe, while Madrid had the highest share of deaths linked to high temperatures.
→ Read the full digestSpain's Agriculture Ministry is monitoring shamonda virus after France reported the death of a severely immunocompromised infected person. French authorities have identified no health risk to the general population and are investigating. Spain has confirmed cattle outbreaks in six provinces since September.
→ Read the full digestThe government says the waiting list for dependency care benefits fell 22.7% in a year to 134,734 people on September 30. The count covers only people waiting more than six months. Average processing time is 48 days shorter than a year earlier.
→ Read the full digestCuraleaf expects to start supplying two registered cannabis preparations to 50 Spanish hospitals by the end of October. Hospital pharmacies would use them as raw material to make medicines for patients. Royal Decree 903/2025 has been in force for a year; Curaleaf is so far the only company to register preparations under it.
→ Read the full digestPrivate health insurance closed the first half of 2026 with 14,62 million insured people, about 300.000 more than a year earlier. Premium volume reached 7.200 million euros, up 7,4%. Prices have risen more than 67% since 2020, and insurers will update policy premiums from January 1.
→ Read the full digestA serious-risk food alert was issued after Salmonella Enteritidis in fresh Spanish eggs infected at least 13 people. The eggs were also distributed in Portugal and have been withdrawn from the market. The alert was reported to the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed on 8 October 2026 and validated by the European Commission. A check carried out on 23 September confirmed the presence of the bacterium.
→ Read the full digestSpain recorded 5.807 heat-attributable deaths this summer, the highest figure in the last decade, according to the ISCIII MoMo system. The data covers 15 May to 30 September. August recorded the most deaths, 2.162, followed by July with 2.026. Women accounted for 3.486 deaths and men 2.321. Some 97% of victims were 65 or over, and 62% over 85.
→ Read the full digestThe EU will prohibit social media access for all minors under 13 and require parental supervision for accounts held by those aged 13 to 15. Until adulthood, access will be restricted on platforms that use algorithms designed to provoke addiction. A child psychologist compares the rules to a traffic light to help parents explain the limits.
→ Read the full digestSpain is in a new coronavirus wave driven by the XFG variant, with 493,8 cases per 100.000 inhabitants in the week of September 28 to October 4, up 3,3% from the previous week. Hospitals have seen no impact so far, and pandemic intensity remains classified as "low". XFG is dominant across much of Europe, with no evidence so far that it is more dangerous.
→ Read the full digestSpain's medicines agency Aemps has issued a health alert and withdrawn the supplement El Toro from sale after detecting sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, which was not declared on the label. The product was marketed as natural. Aemps says the amount is sufficient to have an effect on the body.
→ Read the full digestA new study analyzes the genes of Maria Branyas, who died at 117 and was the world's oldest living woman for nearly five years. Born in 1907, she kept her mother's habit of eating three yogurts a day and cited dairy as the reason for her longevity. After she said dairy was her secret, sales of La Fageda, the brand she consumed, rose 5%.
→ Read the full digestShortages of hormonal treatments for menopausal women and trans women are pushing pharmacies toward compounded formulas, which the Spanish Medicines Agency considers a "last resort." Doctors have redirected patients to other medicines with the same active ingredients, causing excess demand. One pharmacist described a domino effect: "One medicine is missing, then another."
→ Read the full digestRespiratory infections stayed above the epidemic threshold for a second week, with the rate at 493,8 cases per 100.000 inhabitants. Bronchiolitis is rising among children under five, though hospitalisations remain low at 0,2 per 100.000 thanks to immunisation.
→ Read the full digestPharmacies across Spain are running out of Lenzetto and other hormonal treatments used by menopausal and trans women, leaving patients without medication. Lenzetto, a spray-applied oestrogen gel, was the most common treatment for the roughly 300.000 women being treated for menopause or perimenopause, according to the AEEM. Patients report being unable to order the drug and having to search pharmacies for remaining stock.
→ Read the full digestA large US study suggests that people taking statins for cholesterol are less likely to need intensified glaucoma treatment. In a database of 165 million people, statin use was associated with a 15% lower risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. Among people already diagnosed, statin users had lower odds of needing escalated therapy, including surgery, researchers report in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
→ Read the full digestThe Karolinska Institute awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for discoveries on light-activated ion channels and optogenetics. The method lets researchers control nerve signals with light and is being studied to restore vision.
→ Read the full digestThe early election has opened a new scenario for the indefinite doctors' strike set to begin on October 28 against the Estatuto Marco. Health technicians suspended their October 13 stoppages, while medical organizations decide this week whether to maintain the strike.
→ Read the full digestAcute respiratory infections reached 478.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, above Spain's epidemic threshold. That is 28.2% more than the previous week, according to the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Health centres are facing greater pressure, especially when caring for elderly and chronically ill residents.
→ Read the full digestThree researchers at the University of Navarra's CIMA in Pamplona are working on the most aggressive childhood cancers, especially brain tumours and sarcomas. Paediatric solid tumours are the leading cause of death in children under 15 and remain underfunded. Their work is backed by Fundación CRIS Contra el Cáncer.
→ Read the full digestHealth Minister Mónica García announced that pharmacological abortion will be added to primary care services, including changes to the mifepristone technical sheet. Women could then access the method at their local health centre instead of a hospital.
→ Read the full digestCNIO researchers found a previously unknown vulnerable phase in brain metastasis development, called 'pausa proliferativa'. They tested three drugs in animal models, opening a possible route to prevent metastases or relapses. The work appears in Cancer Cell.
→ Read the full digestCovid incidence doubled in a week among babies under 1, from 123.6 to 225.5 per 100,000, and among people over 80, from 18.1 to 30.9. Overall respiratory infections rose from 270 to 370 per 100,000. RSV doubled among children under 5.
→ Read the full digestSurgeon Luis Martos filed a lawsuit against Madrid health minister Fátima Matute after reporting that Ramón y Cajal Hospital downgraded 57 patients' priority to improve waiting lists. Matute had accused him of manipulating lists to 'work less'. Dozens gathered outside the hospital in support.
→ Read the full digestHospital La Paz in Madrid reports two patients whose transplanted organs have been working for over five years without rejection and with minimal immunosuppression. The technique combines organ transplant with bone-marrow hematopoietic cells from the same donor, inducing transient mixed chimerism. Spain's transplant authority says the finding could have enormous implications for waiting lists.
→ Read the full digestDoctors at Hospital Universitario de La Paz have developed a technique that prevents transplant rejection without lifelong immunosuppressive medication. It uses an immune passport from the donor's bone marrow. The ONT says if it passes the safety phase, it could free up 20-50% of retransplant waiting lists.
→ Read the full digestThe Health Ministry is preparing a Royal Decree to overhaul waiting list registration and avoid "makeup". Patients would enter lists from the moment of medical indication, with data broken down by clinical priority. The rule would ban parallel lists, add primary care waiting times and strengthen information rights. Congress must validate it within 30 days.
→ Read the full digestFlu positivity in primary care has doubled to 8.2%, from 4% a year ago, though still below epidemic thresholds. COVID incidence among babies under one year jumped from 47.4 to 125.8 cases per 100,000 in two weeks. The increase is mostly due to flu A H3N2 subclade K, according to the ISCIII respiratory report.
→ Read the full digestA team at La Paz hospital has developed an experimental technique that lets recipients' immune systems accept transplanted organs as their own. Yassine, 21, and Nora, 55, are healthy six years after receiving organs through this method. The ONT says the formula could eliminate lifelong immunosuppression.
→ Read the full digestPatients in Spain waited an average of 121 days for surgery at the end of 2025, with more than 850,000 people awaiting an operation. Manuel, 79, has been waiting over a year and a half for knee surgery due to osteoarthritis and fears ending up in a wheelchair.
→ Read the full digestSpain's life expectancy has risen by more than 40 years over the last century, making Mediterranean Europe a global longevity leader. The gains were interrupted only by the 1918 flu, the Spanish Civil War and post-war period, and COVID-19. Europe has the highest life expectancy, while Africa and parts of Asia rank lowest.
→ Read the full digestSpain's Congress gave final approval to a reform of dependency and disability laws, adding €6.2 billion to expand benefits and cut bureaucracy. The ministry calls it a refoundation of the care model in Spain. PP abstained and Vox voted against; changes will be published in the BOE in the coming days.
→ Read the full digestA Madrid hospital lowered the priority of 57 patients awaiting surgery to improve waiting list figures. The Amyts medical union says the practice is widespread, and the health minister said it 'is neither new nor penalized'. Patients may face longer actual wait times than official figures suggest.
→ Read the full digestThe OECD estimates a 50% probability of another pandemic in the next 25 years. Spain's GDP could fall between 2.1% and 16.3%, equivalent to €35 billion to €275 billion in 2025 euros. The analysis covers five pandemic scenarios.
→ Read the full digestIsabel survived acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 15 and is now an emergency doctor at Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro in Vigo. Her sister Victoria, who was 11 at the time, works in cancer research to contribute to the field that saved Isabel's life. The story highlights Spain's public healthcare and research systems.
→ Read the full digestJosé María Tejedor, a retired man from Soria with inoperable pancreatic cancer, says a daily pill gives him months of quality life. Less than 20% of pancreatic cancer patients are candidates for surgery at diagnosis, and just over 10% survive for five years. Nearly 300,000 Spaniards received a cancer diagnosis last year; 3.5% were pancreatic.
→ Read the full digestMedical unions have called an indefinite national strike starting October 28 to reject the Estatuto Marco bill and demand a separate statute for doctors. The unions CESM, SMA, Metges de Catalunya, AMYTS, SME and O'MEGA announced the action 10 days after the Council of Ministers approved the bill. Patients may face delays in appointments and hospital care.
→ Read the full digestHeat-related mortality in Spanish cities has doubled, rising from 82.8 deaths per million inhabitants in 1991-2000 to 176.3 in 2015-2024, according to a Lancet Countdown report. Jaén recorded the highest rate at 371 per million, followed by Linares, Salamanca and Talavera de la Reina. Spain has recorded 5,434 heat-attributable deaths so far this year.
→ Read the full digestMore than 80% of people in Spain breathe polluted air, according to Greenpeace. An Ecologistas en Acción report found that almost 33 million people were exposed in 2025 to pollution above the new EU limits. Road traffic is the main source, with industry, ports, cruise ships and airports also affecting nearby residents. Spain requires low-emission zones in municipalities above 50,000 inhabitants.
→ Read the full digestmRNA COVID-19 vaccines may help the immune system identify tumors that previously evaded detection, a recent study suggests. The immune system normally eliminates thousands of potentially dangerous mutated cells daily, but tumors escape detection because they originate from the body's own cells. The research highlights how these vaccines could boost the effectiveness of some cancer treatments.
→ Read the full digestExperts warn that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, transmitted by ticks, is spreading in Spain. Four cases were identified this season, including the death of an 84-year-old man in Salamanca. In the last decade, 19 infections were recorded, six of them fatal. The disease was not detected in Spain before 2016. Experts attribute the spread to climate change and illegal livestock trade.
→ Read the full digestWorkers who donate organs or tissues while alive are now entitled to 100% of their salary during sick leave. The special temporary disability regime, created by Law 6/2024, applies to living donors. Spain performed more than 6,300 organ transplants in 2025, with more than 400 people donating while alive. The measure strengthens labor rights for living donors.
→ Read the full digestThe Council of Ministers approved in the second round the draft Law on the Statute Framework for statutory health service personnel and sent it to Congress. Medical unions rejected the project and announced continued mobilizations after the summer. The statute shapes working conditions for healthcare staff and the quality of public health services.
→ Read the full digestDeaths attributable to high temperatures this summer reached 5,232, the highest since the MoMo monitoring system began in 2015. The previous deadliest summers were 2022 with 4,789 deaths and 2025 with 3,832. August alone recorded 2,147 deaths, a figure likely to exceed the 2,184 from August 2025.
→ Read the full digestPrivate health insurance premiums in Spain rose 67.6% from July 2020 to July 2026, according to the INE. That is the largest increase among insurance categories; vehicle insurance rose 34.8% and death insurance 37% in the same period, while the sector average was 44.4%. Over two decades, health premiums have climbed more than 215%. Year-on-year, health insurance costs 8.9% more, above the 6.2% general inflation rate.
→ Read the full digestHealth Minister Mónica García said vaccination of migrants in Ceuta begins next week with 45,000 doses, including 15,000 MMR and 10,000 each for diphtheria/tetanus, varicella, and polio. She said migrants do not bring diseases and the risk for residents is low, citing a moderate transmission risk among migrants due to overcrowding and poor hygiene. She criticized PP leader Feijóo's proposal to confine migrants.
→ Read the full digestEpidemiologist Joan Caylà warns that Ceuta faces a public health crisis, with thousands of migrants, including over 2,000 minors, at risk of tuberculosis and measles outbreaks. He estimates that 5,000 to 10,000 migrants are in Ceuta and prioritizes housing, food, and health checks over mass confinement. He calls for higher vaccination coverage to achieve herd immunity. An outbreak could spread beyond Ceuta.
→ Read the full digestMedical unions have reached agreements in Asturias, Galicia, Comunidad Valenciana, País Vasco, and Andalucía to suspend strikes. Madrid and Aragón still have negotiations pending in September. Common demands include a 35-hour ordinary working week and making on-call shifts voluntary within five years. Salary improvements for MIR medical residents are also included.
→ Read the full digestPublic health experts say there is no generalized epidemic in Ceuta, but they urge reinforced health resources and vigilance. The Spanish Society of Public Health (Sespas) rejects any link between migration and disease, noting risks arise from poor conditions. Reported cases include gastrointestinal and dermatological issues, scabies, and some tuberculosis, but no outbreak.
→ Read the full digestCeuta's College of Nursing has requested a state of alarm over what it calls an unprecedented health collapse. Nurses handle 200 daily assists with peaks above 1,600 interventions, and each nurse attends 14-16 patients with shifts exceeding four hours. President Rosa Fuentes says the system lacks the means to respond, and the General Council of Nursing is urging government intervention.
→ Read the full digestSpain registered 1,108 deaths attributable to high temperatures from August 1 to 15, 146 more than the same period last year. Most victims were over 65, and 670 were women. Catalonia had 575 deaths, followed by Andalusia with 105. Since the 2026 heat plan began, 4,191 heat-related deaths have been estimated.
→ Read the full digestSpain has recorded four Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases in 2026, one of which was fatal in June. A 71-year-old man who visited Salamanca province tested positive and remains isolated at Hospital Gómez Ulla in Madrid. Castilla y León's General Directorate of Public Health reported the third case of 2026 on Thursday and activated outbreak protocols. SEIMC spokesman José Miguel Cisneros said the virus is endemic and should be included in differential diagnosis during warm months; patients must be admitted to High-Level Isolation Units because bodily fluids are highly contagious.
→ Read the full digestMore than 530 people across eleven autonomous communities received medical attention after the total solar eclipse, mainly for mild eye discomfort, dizziness, and heat stroke. Madrid's health service recorded 101 eclipse-related cases by 9:00 on Thursday, while Osakidetza treated 58 people in the Basque Country. The Canary Islands count had not yet been included.
→ Read the full digestA new heatwave will push temperatures to 43°C in parts of Spain, with nights staying above 25°C in many areas, according to the weather service Meteored. Aemet has activated high-temperature alerts across 13 autonomous communities on Wednesday, with orange warnings in Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura. The Guadalquivir valley may hit 43°C, and the Ebro valley around 41°C, posing health risks for residents.
→ Read the full digestA wildfire in Niebla (Huelva) that started Thursday remains uncontrolled due to shifting winds, forcing the activation of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME). Sixty-six people have been evacuated, two roads have been closed, and 24 aircraft battled the flames on Friday. The fire's erratic behaviour has complicated containment.
→ Read the full digestEmergency services ordered residents of Sierra Engarcerán (Castellón) to stay indoors, close windows and switch off ventilation due to heavy smoke from a forest fire that started Friday in Vall d'Alba. Situation 2 of the PEIF was activated and some farmhouses were evacuated. The Es-Alert message warned that the smoke posed a health risk.
→ Read the full digestTwenty people have been infected with West Nile virus in Andalusia and Extremadura so far this season, with five cases classified as severe. An 82-year-old man with pre-existing conditions died in Dos Hermanas, Seville. Researchers warn of a complicated season due to rice fields and high temperatures, which boost mosquito populations. Residents and visitors in southwest Spain should take precautions against mosquito bites.
→ Read the full digestThird Vice President Sara Aagesen said fire risk indicators will increase across much of Spain over the weekend, though the situation is currently improving. So far in 2026, 194,122 hectares have burned, 33,360 more than by the same date in 2025, and 39 large wildfires over 500 hectares have been registered. The highest-risk zones are the mountainous Canary Islands, the inland areas of Comunitat Valenciana and Murcia, and southern Andalusia.
→ Read the full digestA total solar eclipse will cross the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula on August 12, a spectacle that occurs over a given point only once every 375 to 400 years. Eye doctors stress that viewing without certified protection can cause irreversible retinal damage, even during totality. Madrid and Barcelona lie outside the total zone. The last total eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula was in 1912.
→ Read the full digestSpain recorded 2,026 deaths attributable to high temperatures in July, 91% more than the 1,060 estimated in July 2025, according to the MoMo monitoring system. The figure is the second-highest for July since records began in 2015, behind only the 2,217 deaths in July 2022. Most victims were women (1,208) and people over 65 (1,944), with Catalonia, Andalusia, Valencia and the Basque Country hardest hit. Since the 2026 heat plan began, MoMo estimates 3,158 heat-related deaths across May, June and July.
→ Read the full digestAndalusia has confirmed five new human cases of West Nile virus in Seville province, raising the seasonal total to 16. Two patients, from Bollullos de la Mitación and Dos Hermanas, are hospitalized with meningoencephalitis, while others in Villamanrique de la Condesa, Coria del Río and La Puebla del Río have mild symptoms. Microbiologist Raúl Rivas says the virus is now endemic in the Guadalquivir basin and the Ebro delta, with two distinct lineages circulating. The regional health department recommends preventing mosquito bites in affected areas.
→ Read the full digestSpain recorded 3,096 heat-attributable deaths between May and July 2026, double the figure for the same period in 2025 and slightly below the 2022 record of 3,102. Public health researcher José Chen warned that heat now kills as many people as winter flu and should be treated as a public health emergency. Córdoba hit 44°C on Friday, and the summer of 2025 saw 3,832 heat-related deaths, 88% more than in 2024. The toll underscores the deadly risk of Spain's increasingly extreme summers.
→ Read the full digestA fast-moving forest fire in Fermoselle, Zamora, has forced the evacuation of 12 towns and the confinement of two others, including nursing homes. Around 950 people have been displaced, with up to 200 sheltered in a sports hall in Bermillo de Sayago. Fire crews with 12 aircraft and 13 engines are battling the blaze. Residents in affected areas should follow official instructions.
→ Read the full digestAEMET has issued heat alerts for 13 autonomous communities as a heatwave continues to bake much of Spain. Inland areas are seeing highs above 35°C, with some valleys reaching 42°C. The extreme weather is expected to last into early next week. Authorities advise staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activity during peak hours.
→ Read the full digestThe government approved early retirement for workers with 11 specific diseases, including Parkinson's, spina bifida, and Huntington's disease. Eligible individuals aged 56 with a disability of at least 45% can retire without pension reduction. The measure is expected to benefit around 50,000 people, offering financial relief to those with qualifying disabilities.
→ Read the full digestA heatwave will grip most of Spain from July 29 to at least August 2, sharply raising wildfire danger. AEMET issued a special notice for southwestern river valleys, the Ebro valley, northeast basins, and the Canary Islands. Residents should take precautions against extreme heat and possible energy supply strains.
→ Read the full digestThe inter-ministerial commission rejected public funding for lecanemab and donanemab for the second time, arguing limited clinical benefit and high cost. An estimated 50,000 patients could have been treated, and neurologists and patient associations point to real-world data from other countries showing greater effectiveness. Those with aging family members may have fewer options to slow the progression of the disease.
→ Read the full digestAemet has activated a red alert for extraordinary danger in parts of Murcia and Valencia, warning that temperatures could exceed 44°C in the Vega del Segura and Guadalentín valleys. Interior areas of southern Valencia and Alicante are also expected to reach 42°C or more, with orange and yellow alerts covering the rest of eastern and southern Spain. Authorities urge all residents to take precautions against the extreme heat, as the health risks are severe. The heatwave marks the worst of the summer so far.
→ Read the full digestRegional health councils have called on Health Minister Mónica García to restart negotiations on the Estatuto Marco, a healthcare reform that has sparked months of doctor strikes. The agreement with unions would cap on-call shifts at 17 hours and set a 45-hour maximum workweek, but doctors' unions want a separate statute with a 35-hour week. Strikes have occurred monthly since February, with the threat of an indefinite strike in September. Resolution is critical for maintaining public healthcare services relied on by foreign nationals.
→ Read the full digestThe government has approved a new anti-tobacco law that bans smoking by minors and extends smoke-free zones to bar terraces, beaches, pools, and outdoor festivals. The legislation also covers e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. The health minister expects annual healthcare savings of €100 million to €200 million.
→ Read the full digestThe government approved a medicines law that aims to save €2.1 billion per year through faster drug negotiations and dynamic pricing for generics. It sets a 180-day limit for approving innovative drugs and grants prescribing powers to nurses and physiotherapists. The reform is designed to lower drug costs and improve healthcare access.
→ Read the full digestSpain recorded 283.48 hospital beds per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, the fifth lowest in the EU and well below the bloc's average of 507.35. The country has ranked among the lowest since 2009. The low ratio may lead to longer wait times and reduced hospital access, especially during health crises.
→ Read the full digestSpain's meteorological agency Aemet has confirmed a third heatwave starting July 21. Temperatures could exceed 44–45°C in parts of the southeast, Guadalquivir and Ebro valleys, and interior Mallorca. The agency warns of high danger levels for the elderly, children, and those with cardiovascular conditions. The heat lasts at least through July 23 and raises the fire risk to extreme in some areas.
→ Read the full digestSpanish health authorities have again rejected public funding for lecanemab and donanemab — the only two approved Alzheimer's drugs. Ceafa, the main Alzheimer's patient association, expressed indignation at the decision. The treatments remain out of reach for many patients unless they pay privately.
→ Read the full digestThe reform ends benefit incompatibilities, automatically links disability recognition to dependency degrees, and creates the 'asistente personal' figure. The state must now cover 50% of dependency costs. People with disabilities or dependent family members will gain easier access to aid and services.
→ Read the full digestAemet has issued maximum danger warnings for Valencia and Aragon, with the east expecting 38-40°C. Storms and strong winds also threaten Valencia. Residents in affected areas should take precautions against extreme heat, which can disrupt work and daily life.
→ Read the full digestOnly 21.8% of patients in Spain secure a family doctor appointment within 24 to 48 hours, with the average wait now at 10.27 days, according to the 2026 Barómetro Sanitario. Over 71% wait more than a day, and 21.3% wait over six months for a specialist. 38.3% believe waiting lists have worsened.
→ Read the full digestThe Los Gallardos wildfire in Almería killed 13 people, including a 93-year-old British woman, and burned 7,000 hectares. Despite this, Los Gallardos and Bédar—where the disaster occurred—are among the 80% of fire-risk municipalities lacking legally required emergency plans. The disaster highlights dangerous gaps in fire preparedness for rural residents.
→ Read the full digestSpain had the highest share of workers on sick leave in the EU in 2024 at 4.5%, up 1.9 percentage points since 2018. The EU average stands at 2.5%. Spain’s rate surpasses Slovenia, Belgium, and France, marking the steepest increase since the pandemic. The surge may affect workplace dynamics and benefits perceptions.
→ Read the full digestSpain has recorded 1,682 heat-attributable deaths since May 1, with 622 occurring in just the first nine days of July. A second scorching wave between July 6 and 10 caused most of those, while an earlier wave killed 278. June 2026 was the deadliest June from heat since 2017, and May's toll surpassed the previous five Mays combined. The relentless heat is overwhelming hospitals and endangering the elderly in particular.
→ Read the full digestSpain’s second heatwave of the summer, lasting from July 5 to 9, caused at least 463 preliminary deaths, exceeding the 333 fatalities of June’s first heatwave. Temperatures topped 42°C in many areas, with peak mortality on July 9. All residents, especially vulnerable populations, should take precautions during extreme heat.
→ Read the full digestWildfires have burned 50,384 hectares in Spain from January to July 1, 2026, a 141% increase from the same period last year. Spain accounts for nearly 40% of all EU-wide burned area, with 300 fires recorded. The EU approved €120.55 million from its Solidarity Fund to help cover damage. The fires pose ongoing risks to air quality and property across affected regions.
→ Read the full digestSpain’s second heatwave of the season continues, with temperatures topping 40°C in many areas and weather alerts active across most of the country. Aemet expects the extreme heat to last at least through Thursday. Residents are advised to take precautions against heat-related illness, and the prolonged hot spell also heightens the risk of wildfires.
→ Read the full digestA severe heatwave has placed three autonomous communities under red alert, with temperatures forecast to reach 43°C in parts of the Valencian Community and the Ebro valley. Peak heat is expected Tuesday, and 12 other regions are under yellow or orange warnings. The extreme weather poses health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Authorities urge everyone to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak hours, and monitor AEMET updates.
→ Read the full digestThe MoMo monitoring system attributed 153 deaths in early July to high temperatures, following 937 recorded in June. The heatwave also fueled several active wildfires, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to deploy UME military emergency units and MITECO environmental teams. Sánchez urged the public to be cautious as the heat persists.
→ Read the full digestTemperatures are expected to hit 42 degrees Celsius in parts of Spain, with orange warnings in Andalucía, Cataluña, Madrid, and other regions. AEMET warns of health risks for the vulnerable and increased fire danger. People in affected areas should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during the extreme heat.
→ Read the full digestSpain's AEMET warns of a heatwave from Sunday, July 5 through at least Tuesday, July 7, with maximum temperatures of 42°C in the southwest, river valleys, and inland depressions. The probability is rated medium-high (40-70%). Health authorities urge caution during midday, especially for vulnerable groups and outdoor workers, and advise avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
→ Read the full digestSpain recorded 86 drowning deaths in June, a record high that included 45 on beaches and 18 in pools. The first half of 2026 has now seen 211 drownings. Pool fatalities in June alone set a record, and the monthly count surpassed previous years by a wide margin. With the summer season in full swing, the numbers are a blunt warning for anyone spending time near water.
→ Read the full digestTemperatures climbed above 40°C in parts of Spain on Wednesday, with six autonomous communities under active heat warnings. The Aemet weather agency forecasts highs of 36-42°C in inland valleys over the weekend. Strong winds are also expected in the Ebro valley. Health authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity, staying hydrated, and checking on vulnerable neighbors during the peak heat hours.
→ Read the full digestSpain's Congress approved an amendment making the prices of medications in the public health system secret. The measure was tacked onto a newborn screening bill and has been criticized by Podemos for reducing transparency. The direct impact on patients' access to medicines remains unclear.
→ Read the full digestSick leave for common illnesses rose 38% in Aragón between 2018 and 2023, driven by post-pandemic mental health deterioration, according to a Fundación Economía y Salud report. The trend adds to rising workplace absenteeism across Spain. Experts stress the need for better mental health support for employees.
→ Read the full digestA heatwave from Sunday to Thursday caused 212 temperature-attributed deaths, with 95 on Wednesday alone. June's provisional total stands at 380 deaths, 55% of them during this heatwave. Two direct heatstroke deaths were confirmed in Almería and Badajoz. Health authorities urge caution, especially for elderly and at-risk residents.
→ Read the full digestThe CUME benefit for parents caring for minors with serious illnesses now covers additional pathologies and extends maximum leave from 4 to 8 months. The reform includes an open clause allowing doctors to tailor support to specific cases. The change provides greater financial security for affected families.
→ Read the full digestA French humanitarian worker who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola, marking the country's first case. The patient is in stable condition under strict isolation, and authorities are tracing contacts who must quarantine for 21 days. While the case raises international health concerns, the risk for Spain remains low.
→ Read the full digestSpain is experiencing its first summer heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C in some valleys. Aemet maintains warnings in 15 autonomous communities until Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to drop on Thursday. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid the sun during peak hours.
→ Read the full digestSpain's first summer heatwave has prompted a red alert in the Basque Country and orange alerts in ten other communities, with temperatures reaching 40°C. Under a law passed after last year's DANA, workers can now take up to four days of paid leave when extreme weather poses a serious risk or prevents commuting, provided official warnings are issued. The measure applies to the current heatwave. Tropical nights and possible thunderstorms add to the health concerns.
→ Read the full digestThousands of doctors and teachers across Spain have been on strike for months, with Madrid teachers calling for indefinite strikes. Sociologists note the unusual level of mobilization despite economic growth, highlighting a lack of structural reforms over two decades. The disruptions affect access to public healthcare and education.
→ Read the full digestMore than 177,000 doctors have held 32 national strike days since June 2025, protesting health reforms. The strikes have cost over €400 million and worsened waiting lists. The disruption affects healthcare access for all residents in Spain.
→ Read the full digestThe 42-day quarantine for Spanish passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship ends June 21, as the hantavirus outbreak that killed three people is declared over. The World Health Organization received 800 notifications about the outbreak. The crisis highlights public health risks from international travel for residents.
→ Read the full digestFamilies of severely disabled children in Spain fear the government will cut care support, jeopardizing their ability to work and provide care. Around 18,000 families are at risk. The cuts could affect families with similar care needs.
→ Read the full digestA five-week doctors' strike in Spain ended Friday, with over 3 million medical appointments suspended. The conflict centers on the Estatuto Marco, a new law for healthcare professionals approved on June 2. While unions have declared a truce for summer, they warn of an indefinite strike after summer if the government does not meet their demands. Residents may face continued disruptions in accessing medical care.
→ Read the full digestThe government will prohibit ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks from breakfasts and snacks in schools, hospitals, and other public centers. The measure will be enacted through a royal decree for healthy eating in public institutions. Families with children in Spanish public schools can expect healthier menu options.
→ Read the full digestDoctors in Catalonia held their 12th strike day before summer, demanding better conditions. The Metges de Catalunya union threatens to escalate the conflict in September if the government fails to negotiate. The government reported 4.2% strike participation; the union says 29%.
→ Read the full digestSpain's Public Health Commission has approved a strategy to vaccinate irregular migrants and refugees within three weeks of their arrival. Priority vaccines include MMR, polio, tetanus and diphtheria. The plan aims to improve public health coverage and reduce disease spread among the entire population.
→ Read the full digestMedical professionals in Spain announced plans for an indefinite strike beginning in September if negotiations with the Ministry of Health stall. The doctors' committee rejected the professional framework, or Estatuto Marco, that the government approved with other unions earlier this month. A summer truce will pause the current conflict, but the escalation threatens to disrupt healthcare services nationwide.
→ Read the full digestA new report by Oxfam and youth organizations links the struggle to pay rent directly to deteriorating mental health among young people in Spain. The study finds that 62.7% of youth face housing access difficulties, with spending more than 30% to 50% of income on rent significantly increasing psychological distress. Researchers urge policymakers to address these socioeconomic factors to protect public well-being.
→ Read the full digestThe PP's Carmen Fúnez called on Prime Minister Sánchez to dismiss Health Minister Mónica García, blaming her management for an 11-month healthcare strike. A new week of strike action began on Monday across all of Spain, continuing to disrupt medical services. The opposition argues the prolonged conflict remains unsolvable under the current minister's leadership. Persistent walkouts threaten consistent access to care for residents relying on the public health system.
→ Read the full digestPatients in Madrid face an average 11-day wait to see a family doctor as the primary care system remains overwhelmed. Health centers across the country are absorbing 2,500 new residents, exacerbating existing bureaucracy and heavy patient loads. The prolonged delays highlight the ongoing structural crisis in the public healthcare network.
→ Read the full digestThe Ministry of Health and regional governments failed to reach an agreement with doctors, resulting in the fifth strike of the year scheduled for Monday. Minister Mónica García blamed regions for blocking solutions.
→ Read the full digestFrom age 65, driving license validity periods are reduced, requiring more frequent medical exams. The DGT increased controls specifically for drivers born between 1956 and 1961 to boost road safety.
→ Read the full digestThe Ministry of Health approved a decree to replace paper cupón precinto (seal voucher) with a digital verification system. Minister Mónica García said it ends 'the cutter, stickers, and bureaucracy' in pharmacies.
→ Read the full digestMaría Ochoa, a 24-year-old doctor, chose family medicine despite others advising her to pick a more competitive specialty. While dermatology and plastic surgery fill up rapidly in the MIR selection, family medicine slots remain available until the end, yet these new doctors are pushing back against the narrative that no one wants primary care.
→ Read the full digestTens of thousands of doctors are protesting the proposed Estatuto Marco reform, which they say ignores demands for improved working conditions, pensions, and salaries. The Health Ministry needs approval from Treasury, Labor, and Social Security, creating a government rift.
→ Read the full digestNearly 8,000 patients in Vigo requested to switch from private Povisa to the public CHUVI hospital, the largest mass transfer in the region. The exodus follows controversies over waiting lists and material reuse at Ribera Salud hospitals.
→ Read the full digestThe first Spanish passenger from the MV Hondius who tested positive for hantavirus upon arrival in Madrid on May 11 has been discharged after two negative PCR tests and three symptom-free days. The other positive patient has mild symptoms and remains in isolation, while 12 contacts will continue quarantine at home from the weekend. The health ministry updated the management protocol.
→ Read the full digestLyme disease cases are increasing steadily in Spain, but public awareness remains low. Dr. José Barberán, head of Internal Medicine at HM Montepríncipe Hospital, explains how to prevent tick bites and recognize early symptoms to avoid late diagnosis, which often occurs when the infection has already progressed.
→ Read the full digestMedical unions have denounced the Health Ministry's 'zero capacity' to resolve the conflict over reform of the Estatuto Marco. A fifth doctors' strike is scheduled for June 15-19 after the latest meeting produced no concrete proposals.
→ Read the full digestA wave of protests by anesthesiologists—who refuse overtime and extra hours—has spread across Spain, severely impacting hospital operations in Madrid and Catalonia, with over 90 services in 26 hospitals joining. The rebellion stems from grievances against the Health Ministry's indifference and reform plans, potentially causing patient delays.
→ Read the full digestA Murcia surgeon is among 11 arrested in a €7 million fraud involving expired stent implants and unapproved prosthetics. Patients and families express distress over possible health risks and demand transparency from authorities.
→ Read the full digestA Spanish court set a precedent by ruling that a patient who was charged €1,221 for hyaluronic acid during surgery without his consent does not have to pay, because he was unconscious and not informed. The Defensor del Paciente (Patient Ombudsman) says this overturns common clauses in private clinic admission forms that hold patients responsible for uncovered costs. The case involved insurer Caser and Quirón hospital.
→ Read the full digestThe funds, approved by the Council of Ministers, will go to all autonomous communities to boost primary healthcare through AI adoption, clinical equipment renewal, STI diagnostic capacity, and gender violence detection in health centres. The investment is part of the Primary and Community Care Action Plan 2025-2027.
→ Read the full digestAnother contact under quarantine at Gómez Ulla hospital tested positive for hantavirus after the Hondius cruise ship outbreak. The patient is asymptomatic and has been transferred to a high-level isolation unit.
→ Read the full digestA new Royal Decree Law effective May 14 reduces the pharmaceutical co-payment for workers with medium and low incomes, especially benefiting chronic and multi-medicated patients. The change modifies the percentage paid based on income and employment status.
→ Read the full digestThe week-long doctors' strike ended Friday, but unions warn of renewed walkouts from June 15–19 if no agreement is reached on a new professional statute. The potential strike would come just before summer, threatening hospital services.
→ Read the full digestMadrid's doctors' strike enters its fourth week with the Amyts union claiming Minister Mónica García has ghosted them since announcing her candidacy for regional presidency. The union calls for her resignation, saying she prioritizes Más Madrid over her ministerial duties.
→ Read the full digestThe Public Health Commission approved extending mammography screenings from the current 50–69 range to 45–74 years old. Communities have up to six years to reach near-100% coverage, following EU and clinical recommendations to detect tumors earlier and reduce mortality.
→ Read the full digestIn a 23-9 vote, the Supreme Court has ruled that family members with a particularly close bond can challenge a medically approved euthanasia in court, a door ultra-Catholic groups have already used to delay deaths. The decision was split.
→ Read the full digestSpain's food safety agency has extended the listeria warning for fresh cow cheese after additional distributors were identified. The affected lots, including brand Goya, are distributed across most of Spain. Consumers are urged not to eat the product.
→ Read the full digestAccording to the WAIT 2025 report, Spanish patients wait an average of 537 days to access new medications—nearly triple the EU legal timeframe. Spain funds only 69% of drugs approved in Europe between 2021 and 2024, ranking 5th, yet the overall availability has slightly decreased from 71%.
→ Read the full digestRelations between medical unions and the Health Ministry have completely broken down, with zero contact during the latest five-day strike. Unions have called for the minister's resignation for 'repeated lies,' while she accuses them of disloyalty, leaving the dispute over a new medical statute unresolved.
→ Read the full digestHealth Minister Mónica García announced that 13 quarantined travelers from the MV Hondius will be allowed family visits and common areas on Monday if they test negative for hantavirus. One positive patient is recovering well.
→ Read the full digestThe cruise ship Ambition, hit by a norovirus outbreak off Bordeaux where a 90-year-old British passenger died, has canceled its stop in Ferrol but may still call at Gijón and Bilbao. Spanish health authorities remain on alert.
→ Read the full digestThe ECDC recommends all passengers from the affected HM Hondius cruise ship be considered high-risk and quarantine for at least six weeks. Officials say the hantavirus has not mutated to become more transmissible between humans.
→ Read the full digestSpain's government approved a healthcare reform setting maximum monthly spending limits on prescriptions for the first time. Those earning under €9,000 per year will pay no more than €8.23, while middle-income earners (up to €35,000) will see monthly caps between €18.52 and €61.75, a move designed to prevent patients from abandoning long-term treatments due to cost.
→ Read the full digestSpain's food safety agency (Aesan) has warned consumers not to eat 'Queso Latino' fresh cow's milk cheese from the brand Goya due to *Listeria monocytogenes* contamination. The affected batches carry lots 011056 and 021046 with expiry dates on May 30 and 31, 2026; authorities recommend returning the product to stores or disposing of it immediately.
→ Read the full digestSpain's Public Health Commission updated its hantavirus outbreak protocol, resetting the 'day zero' to May 10 (when passengers disembarked) and extending the 42-day quarantine until June 21. The new protocol allows visits for passengers who have tested negative, while only those evacuated directly from the ship remain isolated in the Gómez Ulla Hospital.
→ Read the full digestA Spanish national has tested positive for hantavirus and been transferred to a high-level isolation unit in Madrid's Gómez Ulla Hospital. The case highlights gaps in preparedness: Spain's State Public Health Agency (AESAP), approved by Congress in July 2025, still lacks statutes, funding, or a headquarters — hampering coordination of health alerts.
→ Read the full digestThe government praised the 'unprecedented' operation to disembark passengers from the MV Hondius after a hantavirus outbreak killed three, with Spanish nationals now in quarantine at Madrid's Gómez Ulla military hospital. The WHO expects repatriations from the Canary Islands to conclude Monday and lauded Spain's crisis response.
→ Read the full digestThe WHO reports three dead and four hospitalized from a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius. The Andes strain, capable of human‑to‑human transmission, is confirmed. Experts are on board, and the WHO director urges calm.
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