Patients still waiting for promised hospital in the Guadalhorce Valley

AN estimated 105,000 people from 14 towns and villages in the Guadalhorce Valley are still waiting for the Chare hospital to open to avoid them having to travel to Malaga City for treatment.

Although rumour has it there is no money to equip and staff the hospital, the official version is that agreements are pending between the Junta de Andalucia regional government and Cartama Council regarding electrical supply and access roads.

Due to employ about 300 people, the centre will provide service to people from Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre, Alora, Alozaina, Ardales, Carratraca, Cartama, Casarabonela, Coin, Guaro, Monda, Pizarra, Tolox and Yunquera and is due to be opened gradually although so far there are still no official dates.