On the morning of this Monday, the Socialist Parliamentary Group and the New Canary Islands Parliamentary Group offered a joint press conference in front of the Insular Hospital of Lanzarote to denounce the closure of its facilities. Both formations described this decision as "a direct attack on the rights of Lanzarote citizens, especially the most vulnerable groups, and an unacceptable setback in public health care on the island."
During the appearance, the representatives of both groups exposed "the serious consequences that this measure would have for patients, healthcare personnel and the island's health system." They warned that the closure of the Insular Hospital "will mean the loss of its specialization in geriatrics, the reduction of hospital beds and the disappearance of essential services for the elderly of Lanzarote, affecting both patients and their families and caregivers."
"A setback in geriatric and health care"
The Insular Hospital of Lanzarote, a reference in the Canary Islands in geriatric care, is at risk of being dismantled and converted into one more unit of the Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital, which would mean a serious setback in specialized care for the elderly population of the island. "This center, which has been a source of pride for Lanzarote, will lose not only its specialization, but also its teaching capacity, its qualified personnel and the hospitalization and palliative care services that have been recognized for their quality and humanity," both formations pointed out.
"The Insular Hospital is not just a building; it is an institution that has marked a before and after in geriatric care in Lanzarote. We never imagined that a center worthy of pride would celebrate its 75th anniversary with its disappearance," lamented the spokespersons of both formations.
"A political decision, not a health decision"
The PSOE and Nueva Canarias pointed out that this decision does not respond to health criteria, but "to political interests." "We are not against a reform; we understand that the Hospital needs to be rehabilitated or rebuilt. However, we do not accept that its closure is being considered instead of its recovery. This decision reflects a political neglect that leaves our elders, their families and the health professionals who have conveyed their concern to us in the face of the uncertainty generated."
Both formations insisted on the need for clear planning for any reform, with a defined project and budget, as well as a specific date for the reopening of the facilities after the transfer. "The current uncertainty, motivated by political pressures, is endangering the stability of professionals and, what is worse, health care for citizens."
Demand for clear explanations
The PSOE and Nueva Canarias demand that the Minister of Health, Esther Monzón, offer clear, reasoned and forceful explanations about the reasons for this decision and the planned alternatives. "Mrs. Monzón has the responsibility to guarantee that fundamental rights for the citizens of Lanzarote are not eliminated. A reference center cannot be closed without an adequate plan that ensures its continuity."
Likewise, the PSOE and Nueva Canarias pointed out the "complicit silence" of the parliamentarians of Coalición Canaria (CC), especially the president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, in the face of this attack on the citizens of Lanzarote. "It is unacceptable that the highest representative of the island remains silent and allows Lanzarote to be the object of constant mistreatment by the Government of the Canary Islands. Not only do they not defend the island, but they are giving in to decisions that seriously harm citizens," they denounced.
"Commitment to professionals and users"
Both political formations reaffirmed "their commitment to the professionals and users of the Insular Hospital, ensuring that they will continue fighting to guarantee the permanence of its services and specializations." "We will not allow Lanzarote to lose a center that has been a fundamental pillar in island health care and in the quality of life of our elders."
