Health invests €301 million in diagnostic testing equipment over the last six years, consolidating a public healthcare model based on technological innovation, improved care, and increased staffing. This was announced by the Regional Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs, Rocío Hernández, during a speech at the Andalusian Parliament, where she praised the transformation promoted by the Andalusian Government since 2019.
The average annual investment in these teams has reached 53,5 million euros, well above the 6,9 million allocated in 2018. This budget increase demonstrates the commitment of Juanma Moreno's government to modernizing health services., in a context of high pressure resulting from the pandemic and the national shortage of healthcare professionals.
Record in outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests
In 2024, 15,3 million outpatient visits were recorded, 20% more than in 2018, and 14,1 million diagnostic tests were performed, representing a 15,4% increase compared to six years ago. The Health Department invests not only in technology, but also in expanding citizens' access to these services, reducing waiting times and improving the quality of care.
In the oncology sector, investment in medical devices related to cancer diagnosis and treatment has grown by 426% between 2019 and 2023, strengthening the public system's capacity to provide early and effective responses to serious conditions.
More staff, more stability
Another strategic focus of this transformation is strengthening the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) workforce. Since 2018, the number of professionals has increased from 100.875 to 126.693, representing a 25,6% increase. Of these, more than 28.000 are physicians, 4.500 more than six years ago.
Health also invests in stable public employment. The various public job openings (OPE) for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 will stabilize 21.953 positions, in an effort to achieve the goal of 94% of professionals with permanent positions by 2026. In fact, the permanent staff has grown from 48.500 in 2018 to 79.606 today, representing an increase of 64%.
The 2025 budget includes a new boost with the incorporation of 6.802 structural professionals, including the consolidation of temporary workers, COVID-19 care reinforcements, and new specialized healthcare training (MIR) positions.
Primary Care: More resources, less waiting
Strengthening Primary Care has been another pillar of the transformation plan. The Ministry of Health invests 35% of the total budget of the department—€5.171 billion—in this level of care., a record figure that has improved accessibility and reduced workloads in health centers.
Thanks to this effort, waiting lists for late-delivery guaranteed procedures have been reduced by almost 50%, and the average time for surgery has dropped from 150 to 120 days.
At the same time, a maximum of 35 daily appointments has been established for family doctors and 25 for pediatricians, helping to reduce congestion in consultations and improve patient care. Furthermore, 3.072 new healthcare professionals have been added to Primary Care, and new professional categories have been created, such as nurses in educational centers.
Advances in appointment management and digitalization
The Plan to Improve Access and Appointment Management in Primary Care, implemented in December 2024, has yielded very positive results. The back-office system managed 199.458 requests, resolving 99% of them in less than 72 hours. In January alone, family doctors conducted 2.657.022 consultations in the 26 districts where this system is already in place, representing an increase of 24.167 appointments compared to the same month last year.
Furthermore, Health invests in digitalization and multichannel, facilitating appointment management through the ClicSalud+ platform, the Salud Andalucía app, and, since March 17, also for administrative procedures.
Personalized and inclusive attention
Regional Minister Rocío Hernández highlighted the incorporation of new specialties and professional profiles, such as physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, case management nurses, and administrative staff to support care management. Specifically, 601 nurses have been added to pediatric teams and 411 administrative staff, while a working group is being consolidated to define key roles in primary care.
State Pact for Health
Despite the progress made, Hernandez has insisted on the need to achieve a great State Pact for Health, which will allow for a consensual approach to the system's structural challenges at the national level. "There are no magic formulas, but rather efficient and sustainable management," he stated, emphasizing that Health invests with responsibility and a vision for the future.
This call seeks to build consensus among all administrations to ensure adequate funding, address the shortage of professionals, and define a common model that strengthens the public health system throughout the country.
