Opinion

The Insular Hospital is not to be touched: less nonsense and more respect

The Lanzarote Insular Hospital is not just any building or another pawn on the political chessboard. It is living history of this island, specialized healthcare, and dignity for hundreds of elderly people and their families. And it should be said clearly, without mincing words: the Insular Hospital is not to be touched. In recent months, amidst technical excuses, budgetary silences, and ambiguous statements, a dangerous rumor has taken hold: moving, emptying, reconverting, or diluting the Insular Hospital without a clear project, without guaranteed investment, and without social consensus. And that, in Lanzarote, is unacceptable. Whoever governs has the obligation to clearly explain what they intend to do with this center. Because when there are no allocations for rehabilitation, when there is no schedule, and when all that is spoken of are "future alternatives," what is generated is not tranquility, but distrust. The Insular Hospital fulfills an essential socio-health function, especially in geriatrics. Here we are not talking about bricks, we are talking about people. About elderly people who need stability, continuity of care, and specialized attention, not experiments or whims. It is particularly serious that while showcase projects and works are announced, there is no clear and firm investment for the Insular Hospital. When something is a priority, it is reflected in the budgets. The rest are just words. Lanzarote has already raised its voice. Social groups, professionals, and political forces have been clear: the hospital must be protected, kept operational, and rehabilitated, not dismantled through the back door. It is not acceptable to say that it will not be closed while letting the center die from budgetary starvation. It is not acceptable to deny alarmism while generating doubts. The Insular Hospital is not to be trifled with. It is time to say it loud and clear: the Insular Hospital is defended, invested in, and respected. Everything else is superfluous