barcelona, Spain – In a important move to bolster public healthcare, the Catalan Institute of Health (catsalut) has officially acquired the Hospital Dos de Maig and the Sagrada Família primary care center (CAP) from the Red Cross. the deal, finalized this Monday, sees Josep Quitet, president of the Red Cross’s Autonomous Committee in Catalonia, and Alfredo García, director of CatSalut, signing the contract. This acquisition includes the adult mental health center (CMSA), pediatric services, and other facilities integral to the Sagrada Família CAP, situated right in the bustling heart of Barcelona.
Health officials emphasize that this agreement aligns with CatSalut’s commitment to “preserve and consolidate public ownership of essential healthcare equipment.” Furthermore,it aims to “guarantee the continuity of care in areas where the Red Cross has historically played a pivotal role in delivering health services.” This strategic acquisition ensures that vital healthcare resources remain under public control and accessible to the community.
The Catalan government is set to invest a substantial €36 million for the healthcare complex and its accompanying parking facilities.These properties, strategically located between Carrer del Dos de Maig and Carrer de Còrsega, are crucial for serving the Integral Health Area of Barcelona Dreta. This area is recognized as one of the most densely populated in the city,making the consolidation of healthcare services a top priority. The government had previously greenlit the purchase last June, underscoring its dedication to “guaranteeing the continuity and improvement of healthcare services” for its residents.
Future of Primary Care Centers in Barcelona
This development comes on the heels of a broader initiative to address healthcare infrastructure needs in barcelona. Just last year, the barcelona City Council and the Department of Health inked an agreement to either construct or expand five new primary care centers, recognizing a significant deficit in existing facilities.These include the CAP of Sardenya, CAP of Drassanes, CAP of Casc Antic, CAP of Casanova, and CAP of Poble-sec-Font de la Guatlla. Looking ahead, several long-delayed projects are expected to move forward, such as expansions for the CAP Besòs and La Pau, and the construction of new centers in Raval Nord, Fort Pienc, Congress and Indians, Parc i la Llacuna del Poblenou, Sagrera, Horta/la Clota, Marina del Prat Vermell, Barceloneta, and Gòtic.
