Fundación Ideas para el progreso

Health is an essential component in people’s life and the development of societies. But, at the same time, it clearly reflects the social, economic and political context of the people. People’s health is linked living and working conditions, the environmental conditions, the social and family environment and depends on a large set of factors, although it is commonly linked more directly to the functioning of health systems.

Regarding the National Health System (NHS) is set as one of the main assets of the Spanish Welfare State, and plays an important role within the redistribution policy of public spending. The profits connected to the health system are linked not only to the improvement of the social cohesion, but also to the economic stimulus thanks to its role as a sector that generates employment and promotes research and technological innovation.

Despite the fact that health indicators place Spain in a good position at international level, and that the Spanish health system is considered as one of the best worldwide, we are faced with serious future challenges. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the framework of actions aimed to promoting health and introducing reforms to help push good governance of the NHS, ensuring its future viability and improving the quality of services without forgetting the objectives of equity in the access and the reduction of inequities in health.