New Data Indicates Significant Increase in Andalucía's Hospital Surgery Waiting Lists

The region of Andalucía is currently experiencing a significant surge in its hospital waiting lists, with 192,000 patients awaiting surgeries. This figure represents an increase of 20,000 from the previous year.

Andalucía has observed a notable rise in the number of patients on surgery waiting lists, now totalling 192,000 – 20,000 more than last year at this time. The average waiting period for surgery is now 139 days, placing Andalucía as the third-highest region in Spain for surgical wait times, according to data from the regional health ministry.

In addition to surgical waits, Andalucía has 850,000 individuals waiting to consult specialists. Although this is a decrease from last year, the reduction is smaller compared to other regions. The wait for specialist appointments averages 121 days, the second-longest in Spain after the Canary Islands.

Catalina García, the regional health minister, attributes the backlog to the previous Socialist government, asserting that the current administration is making progress with increased patient referrals, discharges, and surgeries.

On a national level, Spain is facing its highest-ever patient backlog for non-urgent surgeries. As of June 30, 2023, 819,964 patients are waiting, with an average wait time of 112 days. Notably, 17.4% have been waiting for over six months, a 9.4% increase from June 2022.

Although surgeries have partially resumed following their suspension during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the numbers are still lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Rafael Ojeda, president of the Andalusian Medical Union, was not surprised by these statistics. He criticized the region's health spending, citing a lack of investment in primary care and hospital medicine, reduced operating hours, and inadequate doctor recruitment, contributing to the deteriorating situation in Andalucía.