Revolutionising rural healthcare in Spain: Galicia's €5 million initiative

Rural Spain faces mounting healthcare challenges, exacerbated by a projected shortage of up to 10,000 general practitioners (GPs) by 2028 – equivalent to a 10% shortfall. An aging workforce, with 60% of GPs over 50, and the migration of Spanish-trained doctors due to low salaries and job insecurity are straining the system [1].

Access disparities further highlight the issue. Rural residents travel an average of 12.4 kilometres for basic care, compared to 4.8 kilometres in Germany and 7.6 in France. In Catalonia, distances can reach 20 kilometres, delaying diagnoses and impacting health outcomes [2].

While Spain’s health centres are vital to primary care, regional disparities demand urgent solutions. Recent initiatives are promising, using technology and community-based approaches to improve care. However, improving GP retention and investing in rural infrastructure are also key to bridging the gap [3].

Bringing care to patients’ homes across Galicia

In Galicia, the Plan Gallego de Atención Domiciliaria (2024–2025) is reshaping rural healthcare by prioritizing home-based care. Specialized nursing teams, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools like the MESI mTABLET system, conduct vital tests – including ECGs, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) – directly in patients’ homes.

Backed by more than €5 million investment from the Galician Healthcare Service (SERGAS), the initiative has already facilitated over 17,500 home visits this year. Integrated with a centralized electronic health record system, this program ensures continuity of care for patients who often struggle to access traditional facilities.

Natalia Lobato Mosquera, General Secretary of SERGAS, highlights the program’s transformative potential:

Home care is a cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen the Galician healthcare system. Everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves quality, safety, and tailored healthcare services

Maria, an 82-year-old resident of a remote village, shares her experience:

I no longer need to travel for a simple check-up. The nurses come to me, and I feel cared for like never before.

Setting the pace for other regions

Inspired by the success of Galicia’s healthcare reforms, Catalonia is pioneering localized, integrated solutions to address the challenges of rural healthcare. These efforts aim to bring high-quality, patient-centred care to even the most remote communities.

The Government of Catalonia is spearheading an ambitious program to integrate health and social care services for elderly and dependent individuals. By combining the MESI mTABLET system with teleassistance watches, the initiative offers personalized, home-based care, effectively addressing both medical and social needs.

A blueprint for rural healthcare

The approaches in Galicia and Catalonia showcase scalable solutions for overcoming rural healthcare challenges. By tackling barriers like geographic isolation and resource limitations, these programs demonstrate how collaboration and technology integration can create resilient, patient-centred care models.

Spain’s progress is not just a national success story – it’s a global blueprint for achieving healthcare equity. As countries worldwide grapple with similar rural healthcare challenges, the lessons from Galicia and Catalonia offer actionable insights into creating accessible, high-quality care for underserved communities.