The Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Government of Andalusia, Catalina García, highlighted the effort of the Andalusian Government to improve and modernize health infrastructure. Thus, he emphasized that the 2024 budget includes an allocation of almost 557 million euros for renovation works and new construction, which represents an increase of 32% compared to 2023 and 334% more than in 2018.
The transformation of the health infrastructure, he said, is one of the fundamental aspects of the health accounts next year. In addition, the increase in the amounts allocated to primary care is considered key, reaching 36% of the budget of the Andalusian Health Service (SAS). In particular, 4,976 million euros “So we follow one of the points included in the Pact for Primary Care, which establishes a minimum of 25% of the SAS budget for primary.”
He also pointed out the personnel expenditure, which will reach 6,776 million euros, which means 47.7% of the total budget and an increase of 3% compared to 2023. “This is a budget that will allow us to consolidate the structure and bring the measures agreed at the sectoral and technical tables,” he added. Likewise, he outlined the strengthening of the health care activity through its own means. “We are betting on our system to reduce the waiting lists and meet increased demand.”
To this end, the estimated expenditure for continuing care in 2024 is 128 million euros, 66% more than in 2018, and 10 million euros for self-care, more than 700% more than in 2018. Likewise, he emphasized that it will reduce the percentage of health concerts: in 2024 it will be 3.92% of the total budget, while in 2023 it will be 4.03%, and in 2018 it will be 4.19%.
“This budget lays the foundations to continue to transform our health model, providing the health care and resources needed in every situation and for every person,” he added.
During his speech, he highlighted the large numbers of the health budget in 2024, which will amount to 14,246 million euros, with an increase of 3% compared to last year and 45% compared to 2018, representing 30,47% of the Board’s budget. “Practically one of every three euros in the Andalusian Budget for 2024 will be allocated to health,” he added.
Finally, he indicated that a new milestone would be reached by reaching 7.5% of GDP, as opposed to the 6.1% of GDP allocated by the last socialist government. The budget for 2024 also translates into an increase in the expected expenditure per inhabitant, which, as revealed, will be 1,695.96 euros, which is 526 euros more than in 2018. “This is not a triumphalist message. We still have a lot of work to do to continue improving the health of Andalusians. And, therefore, these are economic matters for certain measures,” he concluded.
