Basque Health officials appear before Parliament regarding security appointment and staffing

Health Minister Alberto Martínez and Osakidetza Director General Lore Bilbao appeared before the Basque Parliament to address two distinct issues regarding the regional health service.

First, officials addressed the ‘Quiñones case,’ involving the appointment of Ertzaintza officer Juanjo Quiñones to a security leadership position within Osakidetza in November 2023. The Basque People's Party (PP) requested this appearance to seek clarity on the recruitment process, which they claim was delayed to dilute debate. Documentation indicates the position was created in 2023 under the justification of protecting critical infrastructure, and Quiñones was the sole candidate to reach the evaluating tribunal.

Second, Martínez announced plans for a new public employment offer (OPE) for 2027 specifically designed to fill difficult-to-cover positions. This future initiative will include nursing professionals for the first time. This follows a 2026 OPE currently being negotiated with unions, which will focus on primary care specialties such as family medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry, as well as roles in regional hospitals that face challenges due to location or shift patterns.