Spain to stop healthcare ‘abuse’ by foreigners

Spain’s Treasury Minister, Cristobal Montoro, has said that the foreigners have to be stopped from “abusing” the Spanish Health System.

There are approximately 1.6 million people living in Malaga Province.

Since the year 2000, the number of foreign residents in the province has increased four-fold to 275,027 and the province receives more than 7 million tourists per year.

At any given time, experts estimate there is an average of 40,887 foreigners who are likely to require some form of health care. In the summer months the figures rise considerably.

The Head of the Elderly Immigrants Observatory, Mayte Echezarreta, suggests the number of retired foreign residents should be monitored and their country of origin made to refund part of the cost of health care services they receive to Spain instead of them using their European Health Card.

The President of Malaga Medical Association, Juan Jose Sanchez, also backs the idea of both countries contributing towards the care of health care of foreign residents, as long as doesn’t affect those with fewer resources.

Meanwhile, the President of the Medical Union, Fermin Parrondo, suggests a single health card which would give people access to the care they require depending on their individual circumstances.

By Jennifer Leighfield

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