Castilla y León officials debate healthcare delays and radiotherapy shortages

Political debate has resurfaced in Castilla y León regarding healthcare deficiencies, specifically concerning radiotherapy delays at the Hospital del Bierzo. Alicia Gallego, spokesperson for the Unión del Pueblo Leonés (UPL), criticized the regional government for ten years of unfulfilled promises to provide radiotherapy services to the region. She also warned of a significant increase in surgical waiting lists and a “silent and systematic deterioration” of public health services.

Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, president of the Junta, defended the regional administration's management. He highlighted the recent tender for works to establish the radiotherapy unit at Hospital del Bierzo and noted various investments in health centers and emergency transport. Mañueco attributed the shortage of medical professionals and the resulting difficulty in reducing waiting lists to the policies of the national government under Pedro Sánchez.