Spanish health agencies coordinate tourist care and debate SAMU resources in Orihuela

The Camp de Tarragona health region continued its "Turisme i Salut" campaign, a partnership with the provincial tourism federation that equips hotel, camping and apartment staff with up‑to‑date information on primary‑care centres and Urgent Primary Care Units (CUAP). The aim is to direct low‑complexity health issues from visitors to the appropriate facilities, keeping hospitals free for more serious cases. Results from the 2025 summer season show the Salou CUAP handling a marked rise in visits, while Cambrils saw a slight dip and Reus remained steady, confirming the CUAPs’ role as first‑line care for tourists. Marta Milà, manager of the regional health authority, called the first year’s experience "positive" and stressed the need to keep improving coordination; Berta Cabré of the tourism federation highlighted that clear information helps guide visitors swiftly to care.

In the Orihuela health department, officials maintain a single SAMU ambulance despite union UGT warnings that the unit is misplaced outside its territory and that the comarca of Vega Baja, serving around 380,000 people, lacks adequate advanced emergency coverage. The union notes that the current arrangement forces long response times and secondary transports for cardiac patients to hospitals in Elche or Torrevieja. While UGT demands an immediate correction and additional resources, the health ministry argues that needs are being continuously evaluated and that no extra SAMU unit is required at this time.