Viewpoint
The great challenge of the public health system in Spain
Abstract
Article 43 of the Spanish Constitution of 1978 establishes the right to health protection and healthcare for all citizens (1). The political organization of the Spanish state is made up of the central state and 17 highly decentralized regions (termed autonomous communities) with their respective governments and parliaments. In terms of health care, political devolution to regional governments has been incrementally implemented over the last 35 years. The taking-up of responsibilities in the field of health by the autonomous communities brings the management of healthcare closer to citizens and guarantees (2):
