The Health Minister, Esther Monzón, has presented in the Parliament of the Canary Islands the report of three years of management, highlighting an 11.7% decrease in the surgical wait list and an average delay of 106 days, 46 days less than at the beginning of the legislature.
The Health Minister of the Government of the Canary Islands, Esther Monzón, appeared this Tuesday in the Plenary of Parliament to review the first three years of the legislature. During her speech, she highlighted the high degree of compliance with the commitments made, with particular attention to the reduction of surgical wait lists, which for the first time are below the national average.
According to the data provided by Monzón, since July 2023, the surgical wait list has decreased by 11.7%, and the average delay for an operation currently stands at 106 days, which is 46 days less than at the beginning of the legislature. "These results are the result of the efforts of the professionals of the Canary Health Service and rigorous management, with measures such as the Active Plan for the Canary Islands and prioritising patients with the longest delays," the minister noted.
In terms of budget, Monzón highlighted the 10.62% increase in the department's accounts over these three years, rising from 4.369 billion euros in 2024 to 4.833 billion in 2026. This increase has allowed, among other things, the hiring of 6,225 new professionals, representing a 20% increase in the staff of the Canary Health Service.
One of the most notable projects is the launch of two cyclotrons, one at the University Hospital Complex of the Canary Islands (HUC) and another at the Doctor Negrín Hospital in Gran Canaria. The first of these, located at Doctor Negrín, will have an investment of 20.5 million euros and will also include proton therapy, being the only centre in Spain that combines both technologies. The cyclotron at HUC, on the other hand, has a budget of 11.4 million. With these projects, the Canary Islands will no longer depend on external sources for the production of radioisotopes and will double its diagnostic capacity.
In the field of mental health, the minister announced the launch of fourteen new care facilities, which will be added to the existing network. Additionally, progress has been made in drafting the expansion project for the Southern Hospital of Tenerife and the Insular Hospital of Gran Canaria, and the pediatric tower of the Maternal and Child Hospital has been completed, works that have been highly demanded by both professionals and patients.
Regarding the stabilisation of staff, Monzón explained that the process to stabilise 9,000 positions based on merit is practically resolved, except for the Administrative Auxiliary Group, whose process is scheduled for this summer. At the same time, progress is being made in stabilisation through competitive examinations, with exams already held in 82 categories and 17 of them in the phase of assigning positions. A Public Employment Offer (OPE) has also been approved with 8,296 positions aimed at reducing temporary contracts in the SCS.
The minister also highlighted the implementation of the Unified Clinical History Viewer across all islands, which allows professionals to access patient information in a centralised manner. Additionally, a reminder system for hospital appointment notifications via SMS has been launched, and work is underway to create a Unique Electronic Clinical History for the entire SCS, a project that will meet a long-standing demand from healthcare professionals.
In terms of travel, Monzón reminded that in 2026, allowances for patients and families who need to travel between islands for treatment at reference hospitals have increased by 41.18%, a measure aimed at alleviating the financial burden on those who need healthcare outside their island.
Finally, the minister emphasised the approval of the Canary Islands Health Plan 2026-2031, which will serve as a roadmap for all health policies of the department in the coming years. Monzón concluded her speech by stating that "the main focus of this legislature has been to act in favour of people, both patients and the professionals who support the healthcare system."
You may also like
