The Spanish government, led by Health Minister Mónica García, advanced sweeping healthcare reforms in 2024, highlighted by the approval of the Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Smoking. Moving into 2025, the Ministry aims to finalize strict vaping regulations, expand smoke-free zones, and overhaul primary care.
On April 30, the Council of Ministers greenlit the 2024-2027 anti-smoking plan. A core component involves modifying existing legislation to heavily regulate the rapidly growing vaping sector.
Currently, the Ministry of Health has opened a draft modification of Royal Decree 579/2017 for public hearing. This critical update specifically targets single-use electronic cigarettes and the use of flavorings and aromas in vaping devices. Furthermore, the decree seeks to implement generic packaging to reduce the visual appeal of tobacco and vaping products.
Minister García also announced upcoming changes to Law 28/2005, expected in the first half of 2025, which will significantly expand smoke-free spaces across the country—a measure backed by the European Commission.
Beyond tobacco control, 2024 saw the approval of the Primary and Community Care Action Plan 2025-2027. To reduce bureaucratic congestion, this plan introduces self-certified sick leave and creates new administrative health roles, freeing up doctors to focus on patient care.
The government also launched a new Pharmaceutical Industry Strategy to adjust medication copayments, ensuring low-income and chronically ill patients maintain access to necessary treatments without financial hardship. Additionally, new medical specialties were created, including Emergency Medicine and Medical Genetics.
Looking ahead, Minister García declared 2025 as the “year of the legacy,” focusing on finalizing major public health initiatives:
- Public Health Infrastructure: The creation of the State Public Health Agency and a Rapid Response Alert System is currently awaiting congressional approval.
- Mental Health: A new Action Plan will reinforce human resources, promote child and adolescent clinical psychology, and foster community-based care to avoid institutionalization.
- Underage Drinking: A draft law is pending to delay the onset of alcohol consumption and reduce binge drinking episodes among minors.
- Reducing Waiting Lists: The Ministry will update the 2003 waiting list decree for better transparency and create a co-financing fund to incentivize regional governments to reduce patient wait times.
- Direct Aid Programs: A €48 million budget will fund free glasses and contact lenses for vulnerable children. Additionally, free condoms will be made available to youth at pharmacies.
- Labor Reforms: The Ministry is finalizing a document to progressively eliminate 24-hour medical shifts and establish a new professional classification model.
