The main event for Andalusia's Primary Care Day took place in Jaén's Santa María Square, organized by the Andalusian Council of Medical Colleges. The day highlighted the constant daily work of professionals, emphasizing the essential bond between doctor and patient in preserving health.
During the gathering, various personalities, including authorities, institutional and healthcare representatives, patient associations, and members of the Andalusian Council of Medical Colleges and the Official College of Physicians of Jaén, agreed on the vital importance of Primary Care as the entry point to the health system and the foundation for continuous, quality patient care.
“"It is a very important day for Andalusian healthcare, aiming to highlight the role of family doctors and pediatricians."
Pedro Navarro, vice president of the Andalusian Council of Medical Colleges, stressed the relevance of the day for Andalusian healthcare, highlighting the fundamental role of family doctors and pediatricians in accompanying patients throughout their lives. He also called attention to the aggressions these professionals suffer, reminding everyone that they are the first door to the health system.
For his part, Gerardo Pérez, president of the Official College of Physicians of Jaén, thanked the city for being chosen as the venue and expressed his hope that this meeting would mark a “renaissance” for Primary Care in Andalusia. He emphasized that the close relationship between family doctors and patients is only possible with adequate time for consultations.
From an assistance perspective, Mercedes Ramblado, general secretary of the Andalusian Council of Medical Colleges, highlighted the comprehensive follow-up offered by Primary Care, accompanying patients from birth to the end of their lives. She warned about the need to adapt this level of care to the aging population and the increase in chronic diseases, which requires special attention from administrations.
The Junta de Andalucía, represented by Ana Mata, recognized Primary Care as the “main front” of the health system, valuing its role in prevention and continuity of treatments, as well as the “silent and vocational” work of its professionals, especially in rural areas.
The voice of patients was also heard through Ana Colmenero, president of the Provincial Association of Fibromyalgia of Jaén (Afixa), who described Primary Care as the “first door” to the system and a support that often becomes family, showing the associations' backing for professionals.
The mayor of Jaén, Julio Millán, described the day as one of celebration and recognition, but also pointed out the need to improve the system due to issues like appointment delays, which can reach 16 days. Similarly, Francisco Reyes, president of the Jaén Provincial Council, defended the work of professionals and called for greater commitment to public healthcare, highlighting Primary Care as the gateway to healthcare.
Doctor Serafín Romero added a protest component to the event, warning about the urgency of implementing measures to improve Primary Care after years of analysis without structural changes. He reminded that “having a reference family doctor reduces hospital admissions, emergency visits, and mortality.”
The event concluded with the reading of a manifesto by Gloria Armenteros, Primary Care vocal of the College of Physicians of Jaén, and a unanimous message: the need to strengthen and make Primary Care visible as an indispensable pillar to ensure the quality and sustainability of the health system.
