A Decisive Interterritorial Council for Spanish Healthcare
This Friday, March 27, the Ministry of Health is preparing to hold an Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS) that could mark a turning point in the country's healthcare. The meeting will focus not only on the growing medical strike but also on a series of regulatory projects aimed at transforming the healthcare system.
The current situation is critical. Communities such as Andalusia, the Basque Country, Madrid, the Balearic Islands, and Extremadura have formally requested that the impact of medical mobilisations be addressed. These strikes have led to the cancellation of thousands of appointments, raising concerns among citizens about access to essential services.
As doctors continue their scheduled strikes throughout February and March, health authorities are under pressure to find effective solutions. The Ministry has indicated that the development of the meeting will be crucial in determining whether an extraordinary plenary session scheduled for April 9 will be maintained, where this labour conflict is expected to be discussed in more depth.
Prior to the CISNS, a meeting is scheduled between the Ministry and the Medical Strike Committee. Although the committee expresses dissatisfaction with the current proposals, they state they will attend in good faith for negotiations. The Ministry hopes that this dialogue can redirect conversations towards concrete agreements.
Apart from the labour conflict, the ordinary plenary will include important regulatory projects. Draft bills aimed at improving citizen participation and transparency within the National Health System will be presented. Among them are two technical royal decrees aimed at reinforcing criteria in radiodiagnosis and updating the statutes of key medical organisations.
The agenda will also include significant initiatives such as indicators for nursing care and strategies on palliative care. Additionally, the distribution of funds for refugees and health technologies will be discussed, which is vital to ensure equitable care across all autonomous communities.
No less important will be the presentation of the annual report on child violence and other critical issues such as the healthcare carbon footprint or advances in digital health. The National Donation and Transplant Strategy 2026-2030 will also be present, aiming to increase both donors and transplants without compromising quality or equity.
As we approach the Interterritorial Council, it is clear that both labour conflicts and necessary reforms are urgent issues that must be addressed seriously. The Government's ability to manage this crisis could define not only its political future but also the health welfare of the country.




