La salud espera el plan funcional de Royo Villanova en abril y el del niño para el verano
The Minister of Health of the Aragon Government, José Luis Banalo Flores, stated on Thursday at the plenary session of the courts in Aragon that «the new health map will be ready by the end of February,» while the functional plan for Royo Villanova Hospital will be completed in April, and the maternal child one in the summer, so that both centers will have a document that reflects the improvements and then write the work projects. He appeared at the request of the PSOE.
Banalo mentioned that the health resources plan expired in 2020 and, in terms of specialized nurses, he humorously said, «We’ll see you on the way out,» promising to tell you how many positions have been created by the end of the legislature.
«The patients and professionals are at the center of our work,» continued the counselor, emphasizing that 2024 ended with a 5.5% decrease in the surgical waiting list due to increased activity in the usual day, despite «having a record demand for interventions, as surgeries are much more complex,» emphasizing that the department makes «efficient use» of resources.
«The waiting list dropped again, we managed to reduce them in January, another difficult month,» 888 fewer patients from January 2023 to January 2024, and the department remains busy with the «strengthening» of primary care, with the signing of contracts program with the eight sectors of Aragon at the beginning of the year.
The counselor defended the loyalty plan of «providing good working conditions and remuneration,» recalling that it was agreed upon by the Sector Council. Processes have been carried out to stabilize employment, covering all available positions.
Regarding infrastructure and equipment, the plan will be presented in the coming days, with a commitment to providing services in the best possible conditions for citizens.
This year, hospitals in Alcañiz and Teruel will start operating, the psychiatric factory of the Clínico Hospital was renovated, and the Emergency Project in Calatayud was written.
Additionally, decisive measures are being taken for Aragon to be at the forefront of robotic surgery. Banalo recalled that the PSOE announced a robotic surgery plan, but «it was all smoke.» The accelerator in Huesca is also operational, and the construction of oncological bunkers in Teruel will begin soon.
He criticized the «negligence» of the former executive. Banalo stated that the department is working to improve working conditions at the Barbastro Hospital and is already taking action in Calatayud, especially to improve emergency situations, including the construction of a heliport, while 90% of the workforce at the Utrillas Health center is covered.
Regarding five villages, he mentioned that professionals are offered to go to Ejea, but they refuse. «We are fully aware of the challenges facing healthcare,» Banalero emphasized.
PSOE deputy Iván Carpi said that the counselor «doesn’t know where he’s going,» citing the dismissal of the Barbastro sector manager, noting the constant changes in leadership positions, such as the Health Human Director, the Medical Care Director of the Calatayud and Barbastro hospitals, the Alcañiz hospital director, and the sector I manager, most of whom are accused by the PP.
Carpi also mentioned the public health crisis caused by the flu epidemic, highlighting the need for better services in rural areas and the limited impact of the loyalty plan.
The PP deputy, Susana Gaspar, criticized the «four years of inaction» by the previous government and praised the leadership of Canalero, pointing out that over 80% of the staff were covered, with some specialties reaching one hundred percent. She emphasized that 2,992 more surgeries were performed than in 2023.
Between January 2024 and January 2025, the number of patients on the waiting list decreased. Gaspar insisted that the measures being implemented are perceived and appreciated by the population, highlighting the improvements from the previous government.
From Aragon-Teruel, Joaquín Moreno proposed completing the entire healthcare staff at the Barbastro Hospital, drafting a functional plan for the modernization of the Ernest Lluch Hospital in Calatayud, and addressing the long-standing issue of healthcare professionals shortage in rural areas.
Vox spokesperson Santiago Morón mentioned the need for loyalty to trained healthcare professionals in Aragon, improving mental health care, and optimizing the procurement system. He emphasized that their duty is not only to provide better medical care.
He raised concerns about waiting lists and the delayed presentation of the health map, questioning the department’s actions to improve services, and why the Canal Health area was not approved, considering it a tardy decision.
Morón questioned the health model desired for Aragon, expressing dissatisfaction with the absence of reforms and concerns about staff morale, as professionals are eagerly awaiting retirement.
Isabel, a deputy from Chaa, emphasized that promises are forgotten, calling for dialogue with the communities of La Val D’Ensella, Utrillas, Luceni, and those concerned about health issues.
Moreno inquired about the modernity of the Barbastro Hospital and the progress made in staff management since the beginning of the term, highlighting the delays in certain medical services.
For the former Pode Government Deputy: «Get to work.»
UI deputy Álvaro Sanz lamented the multiple waiting lists and clear deficiencies in rural and urban areas, emphasizing the need for more doctors in healthcare teams and rural medicine, and highlighting the dire situation of mental health services and long waiting lists.
The deputy Alberto Izquierdo urged Banalero to address the staff shortage issue, especially in rural areas, emphasizing that this should be a priority.
FUENTE
