Calls for Clarity on Lanzarote’s Hospital Future
Yoné Caraballo, a representative for Lanzarote and La Graciosa, has demanded that the Canary Islands’ Health Minister, Esther Monzón, provide clarity on the government’s intentions for the Insular Hospital in Lanzarote. During a parliamentary session, Caraballo accused the minister of misleading the public regarding the hospital’s future.
The MP raised concerns about the proposed model of care being introduced by the Coalition Canaria (CC) government, following comments from President Fernando Clavijo suggesting that the hospital would undergo significant changes. Caraballo fears this indicates a shift towards converting the hospital into a socio-healthcare residence, which would dismantle the current model known for its comprehensive elderly care.
He criticised the regional government for causing uncertainty among healthcare professionals, patients, and their families. He highlighted warnings from Dr. Guzmán, who has stressed that the hospital’s current level of care cannot be fully replicated at the Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital’s Annex building, risking a drop in care quality.
Despite public protests and widespread opposition to the hospital’s potential closure, Caraballo lamented that CC has yet to provide clear answers. “The government continues to ignore the Lanzarote community’s strong rejection of the hospital’s dismantling. It’s time to stop the secrecy and be transparent about their plans for this vital healthcare facility,” he stated.
