Andalusia prosecutors close breast cancer screening cases amid political fallout

The Superior Prosecutor's Office of Andalusia has archived the two remaining criminal investigations linked to the wave of complaints that emerged after October revelations of serious failures in the regional breast‑cancer screening programme run by the Andalusian Health Service. The scandal centred on the lack of follow‑up for a significant number of patients whose mammograms were inconclusive, prompting a national outcry.

The controversy led regional president Juanma Moreno to apologise, forced the resignation of health minister Rocío Hernández, and saw her replacement by Antonio Sanz. By closing the criminal avenue, prosecutors end the political campaign against the regional government, but they note that affected women may still pursue civil compensation claims. The failures were traced mainly to the Hospital Virgen del Rocío in Seville, highlighting serious shortcomings in health‑service controls.

The decision is presented as a return to legal normalcy ahead of upcoming Andalusian elections, while acknowledging the need for remedial measures for the harmed patients.