Here stands the Consejería de Sanidad. It plays a vital role in Madrid’s healthcare system. The Consejería de Sanidad is more than just a building. It is the headquarters of the Madrid Health Service.
The Madrid Health Service is known as SERMAS. SERMAS is a public entity. It manages healthcare services in the Community of Madrid. It is part of Spain’s National Health System.
Let’s delve into its history. The foundation of SERMAS dates back to 2001. Before that, healthcare services were managed by the National Health Institute. The Community of Madrid took over these responsibilities in 2001.
In 1986, the General Health Law shaped Spain’s healthcare organization. It created the National Health System. This law defined the concept of public health service. The state had to provide this service.
A restructuring occurred in 2010. Before that, primary and specialized care were separate. The restructuring grouped 11 health areas into 7 care directions. These directions were named Center, North, East, Southeast, South, West, and Northwest. These areas are further divided into 286 basic health zones. Each zone usually has a health center or clinic.
The Consejería de Sanidad through SERMAS has many functions. These functions are within the Community of Madrid. One key function is managing services. This includes providing healthcare in its centers. Another function involves institutional programs. These programs promote health protection. They also focus on disease prevention, healthcare and rehabilitation.
The Consejería de Sanidad faced challenges in 2012. There was a privatization plan for six hospitals. This plan included healthcare staff. Part of primary care services also faced privatization. This affected 10% of the community’s outpatient clinics. The Hospital de La Princesa was particularly affected. This led to several protests.
Unions reported job losses in 2013. Comisiones Obreras claimed 2,500 public jobs were lost. The union also alleged non-compliance with regulations. These regulations require filling 10% of public sector vacancies.
A citizen consultation occurred in May 2013. It addressed public healthcare privatization. 99.4% of votes favored public management. They supported quality and universal access. They opposed privatization. According to the organizing group 929,903 people voted for public healthcare. Only 3,558 people voted against it.
Some users and doctors made complaints. They believed the Consejería favored private entities. They saw it as a strategy to transfer patients. Patients would be moved from public to private healthcare. This involved directing patients to private clinics for tests. Public hospitals previously conducted these tests. There were also claims of underused equipment. Other complaints included firing temporary doctors. Some claimed dismantling of public services and closures of public hospitals.
In January 2014, the privatization project was suspended. The High Court of Justice of Madrid halted the process. The Health Minister Javier Fernández-Lasquetty resigned. He was the project’s main person in charge. The project had met strong opposition. Healthcare staff and users of Madrid’s public healthcare protested. This movement was called the “white tide”.
Today, the Consejería de Sanidad continues its work. It strives to provide quality healthcare for all Madrid residents. It is located at Paseo de la Castellana, 280 in Madrid.