In recent years, there has been growing discontent with Osakidetza, the Basque Health Service, as seen in the waiting rooms of health centers like the one in Lasarte. Previously considered a shining example of public healthcare, Osakidetza is now facing criticism for long wait times to see specialists and a lack of consistency in primary care. This has led to widespread frustration among patients and healthcare workers alike. The deteriorating state of healthcare in the region has become a major talking point in the upcoming elections in Euskadi.
The president of the retirement home in Lasarte organized a protest march to raise awareness about the issues plaguing the public healthcare system. The lack of doctors at the health center has led to a significant strain on the remaining staff, with some days seeing up to 55% of the workforce missing. Nurses are taking on tasks that were previously the responsibility of doctors, leading to concerns about the quality of care being provided. The unequal distribution of resources among different health centers has also raised questions about the principle of fairness in healthcare provision.
The aging population in Lasarte and other municipalities in Euskadi has added to the challenges faced by the healthcare system. Many healthcare workers, particularly nurses, are now immigrants from other countries, providing care to elderly patients who require constant attention. The shift towards more telephone consultations and fewer in-person visits has further disrupted the doctor-patient relationship, causing distress among patients who value personal interaction with their healthcare providers. The need for a more equitable distribution of resources and a focus on patient-centered care is a key concern among residents.
Dr. Rafael Rotaeche, a retired physician, reflects on the changes he has witnessed in the healthcare system over the course of his career. He highlights the lack of generational turnover in the medical workforce, the burden of bureaucracy on primary care, and the challenges posed by an aging population with a high prevalence of chronic illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the weaknesses in the system, but also demonstrated the resilience of healthcare workers in responding to the crisis. There is a pressing need for reorganization and reform to address the new realities facing healthcare in Euskadi.
In the lead-up to the elections, political parties are vying to address the issues facing Osakidetza and the broader healthcare system. While acknowledging past mistakes, the PNV party leader Andoni Ortuzar emphasizes the toll that the pandemic has taken on healthcare professionals and the need for support and recognition for their efforts. Other candidates have also pledged to strengthen primary care and increase the recruitment of healthcare professionals. The challenges facing Osakidetza are significant, but there is hope that a renewed focus on patient care and equitable resource distribution can lead to positive changes in the future.
