The Health Minister Calls for a Thorough Review
In an unexpected turn within the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, Fátima Matute, Health Minister of the Community of Madrid, has requested the temporary withdrawal of the manual on best practices in euthanasia. This move aims to incorporate the opinions of various scientific societies and professional colleges that had not been previously consulted, especially those related to Psychiatry and palliative care.
Matute emphasised that the issue of euthanasia is extremely delicate and requires a rigorous approach. "It is essential to achieve greater technical and professional excellence in this complex matter," she stated during her intervention. The minister highlighted that several groups have shown interest in collaborating to enrich the content of the manual before its final debate, which was well received by all present members.
The Council took place amid a tense atmosphere marked by a prolonged medical strike affecting the entire country. In this context, Matute did not hesitate to raise her criticisms towards the Ministry of Health, even demanding the resignation of Mónica García, whom she accused of being unable to manage this crisis adequately. "After four months, she still has not resolved the serious strike affecting the National Health System," she asserted firmly.
The minister also warned about the alarming consequences this situation is generating in Madrid: "We are experiencing unprecedented care tension." In her view, the Ministry's approach has been problematic, pointing out that "everything it touches becomes a problem." This criticism extends beyond the healthcare sector; Matute hinted that ideological criteria are negatively affecting political decisions related to public health.
In a recent interview for esRadio, Matute vehemently defended Madrid's healthcare management against accusations from the central Government. She highlighted how some sectors have used private healthcare as a political tool and directly criticised García for privatising healthcare services in Ceuta and Melilla.
Despite the adverse climate, Matute emphasised her commitment to improving health indicators in Madrid and assured: "We will not allow them to destroy our healthcare system." She also expressed scepticism regarding the reforms proposed by the central Government, suggesting they lack the necessary support to be effectively implemented.
Apart from the euthanasia manual, other relevant issues were addressed during this extraordinary Council. Topics such as the Palliative Care Strategy and new measures to improve the early detection of chronic diseases through economically accessible tests were discussed.
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