In the current health context in Spain, sustainability has become a crucial topic of discussion among experts, since as new technologies and treatments are introduced, questions arise about how to guarantee equity in access to health care, as well as the economic viability of these advances.
In a recent debate carried out within the framework of the VI Practical Course for the Knowledge and Treatment of CLL, various professionals from the sector participated, such as David Cantarero Prieto, professor of Economics at the University of Cantabria; Flora Pérez Hernández, head of the Pharmaceutical Management Service of the Government of Cantabria; and José Ángel Hernández Rivas, head of the Hematology Service at the Infanta Leonor University Hospital in Madrid, who addressed various aspects related to sustainability of the health system.
One of the central points of the conversation was the impact of the increasing cost of treatments, especially in the oncological area. According to Hernández Rivas, Cancer treatment represents approximately 10 percent of public health spending in Spainwith an average cost of 285 euros per person per year. However, this spending is lower than that of other European countries, such as Germany, France and Italy, which allocate between 325 and 400 euros per capita. “This panorama highlights the need to reevaluate how resources for health care are financed and distributed, especially in a system that faces the pressure of an aging population and the increase in chronic diseases,” said the specialist.
The projection of 25,700 new cases of hematological cancer per year in Spain illustrates the urgency of addressing this situation. With survival increasing, particularly in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), it is evident that the cost of treatments, together with growing demand, could put the sustainability of the system in check. Pérez Hernández warned that, although most medications are marketed, many are not financed, which creates barriers to access to therapies that could significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
Equity and Accessibility
The equity in access to medicines is a fundamental aspect for the sustainability of the system. According to Hernández Rivas, diversity in health policies and financing between communities generates inequalities that directly impact patient care. “It’s not just about having medications available, but about ensuring that all patients, regardless of their location, have access to the same treatments,” he said.
The lack of transparency in the financing of medicines is another critical point, which the expert already raised in a previous session. Many healthcare professionals are unaware of what treatments are available and under what conditions, contributing to confusion and misinformation. Pérez Hernández highlighted “the need for clearer and more accessible communication about the status of medicines and their financing,” so that both professionals and citizens can better understand the available options and their implications.
Innovation and new technologies
The debate also focused on how innovation and new technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence, can transform healthcare in Spain. Cantarero argued that these tools have the potential to optimize resources and improve health outcomes. “The key is knowing how to integrate these innovations into a system that is already under pressure,” he said. However, the challenge lies in the effective implementation of these technologies, ensuring that they not only benefit some, but are accessible to the entire population.
Advances in medical research have led to the availability of new treatments, many of which are significantly more expensive than previous ones. This, the experts stated, raises questions about how these treatments can be financed without compromising the sustainability of the system. The main concern lies in the need to balance the cost of innovative treatments with the financial capacity of the NHS.
Strategies for sustainability
The debate concluded with the need to adopt strategies that allow for more sustainable management of the health system. Cantarero suggested that one of the solutions could be the implementation of a more holistic approach to health management. This involves considering both direct and indirect costs, such as loss of productivity and quality of life for patients. “Health spending should not be seen only as a cost, but as an investment in society,” he stated.
Furthermore, collaboration between the public sector and the pharmaceutical industry is essential to find innovative solutions that improve the accessibility and sustainability of the system. Cantarero emphasized that, although there are limits on the budget, it is crucial that professionals health workers and managers work together to ensure that medicines financing decisions are made in an informed and equitable manner. Finding a balance between the cost of treatments and the sustainability of the system requires a proactive and collaborative approach. This involves promoting transparency in the financing of medicines and facilitating access to information for professionals and patients.
Reflections
The sustainability of the health system in Spain faces significant challenges, from the increasing cost of treatments to the need to guarantee equitable access to medicines. However, innovation and collaboration between the different actors in the system can offer viable solutions. As experts in the debate emphasized, the key is to take a comprehensive approach that considers both long-term costs and benefits, ensuring that all patients receive the care they deserve.
As the healthcare system evolves, it is essential that all actors, from managers to healthcare professionals, work together to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for healthcare in Spain. Implementing more transparent and collaborative policies can make a difference in how these challenges are addressed, and it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to a health system that is accessible, fair and sustainable for generations to come.
You may also be interested…