The spokesperson for the Agrupación Socialista Gomera (ASG), Jesús Ramos, has suggested that the expansion of the Hospital del Sur de Tenerife should also cater to patients from La Gomera. Currently, these patients are required to travel to the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria for specialist care.
During a session of the Canary Islands Parliament, where the health minister discussed infrastructure and investment priorities, Ramos argued that including La Gomera patients in the expansion plans would optimise health resources, cut costs, reduce carbon emissions, and ease the travel burden on residents.
Ramos highlighted that the expansion project, which involves an investment of over €40 million, will enhance medical specialties, introduce new equipment, and increase overall capacity. He questioned, “Why not include care for gomeros in this project and spare them the journey from Los Cristianos to La Candelaria?” He emphasised that this change would naturally reduce costs and inconvenience for the public.
The ASG deputy urged the minister to explore this option to improve healthcare access on non-capital islands and maximise public investment.
Regarding the health needs of La Gomera, Ramos acknowledged the progress made in recent years, especially with new diagnostic equipment and enhanced specialist appointments that have reduced the need for off-island trips. However, he stressed the need to expedite outstanding projects, including the multi-purpose Day Hospital at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, which was announced for tender last September at a cost of €1.1 million. This facility will feature an endoscopy room, three general boxes, an oncology box, an isolation box, and three consultations.
Ramos expressed hope that this construction could be awarded soon to become operational quickly. He also called for progress on expanding the Valle Gran Rey Health Centre and mentioned the need to dismantle two buildings beforehand for the project to proceed.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of advancing the Local Health Centre in La Lomada, San Sebastián de La Gomera, which he deemed essential for improving healthcare for local residents.
Lastly, Jesús Ramos insisted that investment planning must ensure quality care and decent working conditions for healthcare professionals, avoiding extra challenges for those living on non-capital islands when seeking health services.
