Last week, after the Council of Ministers, the government spokeswoman announced to the media that they intended to repeal the health reform passed in 2012 by the PP. This reform had withdrawn the health card and health care access from people without proper documentation, and it increased copayments for medicines.
The aim, by means of conversations with autonomous communities and civil society, is to draw up a new Royal Decree to replace the current one (RDL 16/2012) and return he right to health to all people.
In fact, yesterday the Ministry met with NGOs, professional associations and scientific societies that have worked in networks to defend universal health (such as REDER, of which Salud por Derecho is a partner). The meeting’s objective was to open up civil dialogue, listen to proposals and demands, and explain the process of drafting a new Royal Decree.
The intention of the Government, assured Carmen Montón, is to return to universal health care as immediately as possible, even before the end of the summer. The organizations present are grateful for the announcement and trust that the political dialogue in Congress will help to approve the Royal Decree, without which the process could take many more months. Moreover, they are hoping that the universalization of health care for all people happens as soon as possible, regardless of legal and economic statuses. In addition, the Minister requested patience as they address the more complex issue of pharmaceutical copayments.
