Salvador Illa defends investment in healthcare and criticizes the populist discourse against taxes

Salvador Illa defends investment in health care and rejects the populist rhetoric that criticizes taxes. From the new CAP in Almenar, the president of the Generalitat asserts that without taxation there are no resources to improve public health care, while the Health Minister defends primary care as the key to reducing hospital pressure.

Catalan health care faces challenges, but bets on a progressive reform and courage to guarantee an excellent and sustainable system. What does this mean for the residents of the region? And why does the tax debate become essential?

The defense of investment in public health care

Why does Illa reject the rhetoric against taxes?

President Illa considers that the rhetoric against taxes is simplistic and populist. He explains that taxation is the main source of public resources that allow works and reforms in health care, such as the new CAP in Almenar. Without taxes, there is no way to maintain or improve health services.

What investment is being made in primary care?

Currently, there are works underway in 57 primary care centers: 26 new ones and 31 with substantial improvements. The system’s reform is progressing slowly because it is a complex process that will require time and courage, according to Illa. Home care is also positioned as a key challenge.

The key role of primary care according to Pané

How does primary care contribute to reducing hospital pressure?

Minister Olga Pané explains that the CAPs act as a filter, reducing the patients that arrive at hospitals. This approach helps both to improve population health and to make the system sustainable in the long term.

What response does the Government give to the waiting lists?

The Comuns have requested Pané’s appearance regarding hospital waiting lists. The minister recalls the commitment to reduce waiting times to a maximum of 67 days and highlights that the opening and improvement of primary care centers is key to achieving this goal.

The new CAP in Almenar: an example of improvement in rural areas

How does the new CAP affect residents of the area?

The center, operational since July, serves 10,000 people in the Almenar-Alfarràs Basic Health Area. Mayor Maria Teresa Malla highlights that it was much awaited and represents a firm step to improve local health conditions.

What challenges and strengths does health care have in rural areas?

The director of the ABS Alfarràs-Almenar, Josep Cardona, acknowledges the challenges of rurality but emphasizes proximity as a strength. He defends that everyone deserves accessible, equitable, and quality care, and the new CAP is a response to this conviction.

Source of the article: Nazaret Romero / Anna Berga / Catalan News Agency