Spain's Health Ministry updates Cohesion Fund costs, proposes 35‑hour work week

The Spanish Ministry of Health has opened a public consultation on a draft order that will update annexes I‑III of Royal Decree 1207/2006, which governs the Health Cohesion Fund. The revision aims to align compensable costs for inter‑regional patient transfers with current scientific evidence and hospital cost data, and to prevent liquidity problems for regional health services. Stakeholders can submit comments until 8 September 2026.

Separately, the Conselleria de Sanidad presented a proposal for a 35‑hour weekly work schedule for health‑care staff, running from 8:00 a.m. on Monday to 15:00 p.m. on Friday. The plan, endorsed by union representatives, seeks to improve work‑life balance and would require amendment of Decree 137/2003, with a target start date of 1 January.