The spanish healthcare system: from security to uncertainty (1978-2013)

Resumen

Spain’s Transition to Democracy set the stage for the organization of a 
national healthcare system. The adoption of the Spanish Constitution of 1978 
was a political milestone that led to the recognition of every citizen’s right to 
healthcare and the right of autonomy of the different regions that make up the 
SpanishState. The most distinctive characteristic of the healthcare model set up 
in those early years of political transition was the decentralization of the health
care system which transferred political and administrative power on matters of 
public health to the 17 autonomous communities. It took more than 20 years to 
complete this decentralization process. Due to the economic crisis and the elec
tion of a conservative government, the National Healthcare System is being seri
ously questioned, its very sustainability in doubt as reform measures are being 
taken that are considered a threat by many institutions and organizations to public 
welfare.