Sergas pharmacy and medical supply costs to absorb one third of budget increase

Pharmacy and medical supply expenditures are projected to consume 33 percent of the total budget increase for the Galician Health Service (Sergas) in 2027. The Xunta has allocated 1,735 million euros to cover these needs, representing a 121 million euro increase over the current year.

Several factors are driving this rising cost, including an aging population with more chronic patients requiring multiple medications, the introduction of more expensive new drugs, and the impact of inflation. The budget for medical prescriptions in pharmacies is expected to reach 982.4 million euros, a 5.6 percent increase from 2026. Additionally, spending on pharmaceutical products and medical supplies is projected to rise by 10 percent, from 684.2 million to 753.2 million euros.

Despite these allocations, historical data shows that actual spending often exceeds planned budgets. In 2025, the Department of Health had to inject an additional 644 million euros due to calculation shortfalls. The Consello de Contas has previously cautioned Sergas regarding frequent budget modifications.