The socialist deputy for Lanzarote, Marcos Hernández, has highlighted that the draft General Budget Law for the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands for the year 2022 represents "the Government's clear commitment to a quality public health system, with well-defined priorities, in accordance with citizen expectations."
"We are fortunate to have a close and empathetic government that addresses problems head-on, pointing out solutions that favor the majority," said the deputy in his speech to the Health Committee. In addition, he valued the "almost 3,500 million euros allocated to the Health Area that includes the accounts for next year", which he maintains "represents the largest budget in the history of this department", and that represents "an increase of 500 million euros compared to the beginning of the legislature."
Among the priorities of the health budget, the spokesperson in this matter has highlighted the increase in items allocated to Specialized Care, which incorporates "94 million more euros compared to the previous year", which includes "care, diagnostic and disease prevention activities", among others. In addition, the socialist deputy added that Primary Care will also be reinforced, with 37 million more euros "which symbolize the commitment of this Ministry to avoid unnecessary waiting lists."
Likewise, he pointed out the increase "of 2 million euros in the budget" in health research, "as a reinforcement of a strategic axis to contribute to new scientific knowledge, the improvement of care services and health care."
Marcos Hernández has also highlighted the implementation "of 71 million euros in human capital to continue facing the pandemic caused by COVID-19" and the promotion of "106 million euros for the Aborda Plan", which he assures that since its launch in early 2020, "has significantly reduced delays in waiting lists."
"We want to state the commitment that this Government has acquired in parliamentary headquarters with respect to the Mental Health Plan, which is endowed with 3,152,000 euros," said Hernández, who recalled that the main objective of this plan "is psychosocial rehabilitation and the search for the eradication of stigma."
The socialist deputy has also pointed out the increase in investments "for the improvement of health infrastructures and equipment." He has detailed the reinforcement of resources in Health Managements by islands, "with an allocation of 13 million more for Lanzarote, 10 for Fuerteventura and 8 for La Palma, as well as the budget increase for the Island Hospitals of the capital islands."
He also highlighted the reinforcement "for the Home Hospitalization strategy and the Emergency Plan", as well as the commitment to innovation "to implement clinical history and Big Data services."
Finally, the socialist deputy has reproached the opposition for "the tone of the interventions" and has expressed his wish that "the amendments that could be presented are proactive, analytical and can be structured within the budget."