In 2024, Spain witnessed a worrying increase in deaths attributed to medical malpractice. According to the “El Defensor del Paciente” association, the country recorded 14,088 cases of alleged medical negligence, which is 2,017 more than the previous year.
Among these, 798 were fatal, marking an increase of 196 deaths compared to 2023. This stark rise highlights ongoing systemic issues within Spain’s healthcare system and underscores the urgent need for reform.
A disturbing trend: An increase in negligence cases
The 2024 report published by “El Defensor del Paciente” reveals a troubling trend of rising medical malpractice incidents. On average, the association recorded 38 new cases per day, leading to what it calls a “disastrous situation” with numbers reminiscent of the pre-pandemic era. The main causes of these negligent incidents include poor surgical procedures, premature discharges, substandard care, hospital infections, and ambulance delays. However, the most common form of malpractice remains diagnostic errors and the missed opportunities for timely medical treatment.
Medical malpractice in maternity and surgery
One of the most heart-wrenching findings concerns maternity care, where 108 babies were born with disabilities due to improper deliveries. Many of these cases involved the use of forceps or other incorrect birthing methods. This led to severe complications such as fetal distress, cerebral palsy, or brachial paralysis. The report also highlights that many obstetricians fail to inform parents about fetal abnormalities during pregnancy, leading to tragic outcomes where some babies died shortly after birth.
In the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery, 351 complaints were made regarding unsatisfactory results, a 65-case increase from 2023. This growing dissatisfaction with aesthetic procedures further underscores the need for higher standards and better oversight in the sector.
Infections and delays: A system under strain
Hospital infections continue to be a significant concern, with 32 fatalities attributed to infections that could have been prevented with proper aseptic techniques. Alarmingly, “El Defensor del Paciente” points out that more people die annually from hospital infections in Spain than from traffic accidents. Additionally, delays in emergency services remain a major issue. Delays in ambulance response times, sometimes exceeding one hour were linked to 25 deaths.
The increasing number of patients experiencing long-term disability after surgery is also troubling. In 2024, 134 cases of tetraplegia or paraplegia following operations were reported. This is a rise of 33 cases from the previous year.
Waiting lists and overcrowded emergency services
One of the most significant ongoing issues in Spain’s healthcare system is the escalation of waiting lists. By June last year, 848,340 people were waiting for surgery, with an average wait time of 121 days—a record high. These figures continue to worsen, with many patients facing delays that impact the timeliness of critical diagnoses and treatments, particularly for cancer patients.
Emergency departments are also facing unprecedented strain. Hospitals such as the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias and the Hospital Universitario de Toledo have received numerous complaints for overcrowded conditions, long waiting times, and insufficient staff, resulting in a system on the brink of collapse.
A call for urgent reform
The association has expressed its disappointment with the Spanish Minister of Health, Mónica García, who has been criticised for not addressing these issues adequately. While healthcare responsibilities are devolved to regional governments, the central government holds the power to implement national strategies. Experts believe that reforms should include the following;
- increased healthcare funding
- the introduction of a National Health Plan to reduce regional disparities
- improved working conditions for healthcare professionals
Also read: “Unbearable” situation in public care home in Madrid