Andalusia to Spend €7.4 Million on Religious Services in Public Hospitals

• The Andalusian government signed a four-year agreement to fund religious services in public hospitals.
• The deal involves annual payments of approximately €1.85 million, totaling over €7.4 million by 2030.
• Local advocacy groups argue this diverts critical funds from a struggling public healthcare system.

Agreement Details

• The Andalusian Health Service (SAS) will pay dioceses €1,849,676 annually to provide chaplains for hospital patients.
• The contract runs until 2030 and includes an option for a four-year renewal.
• Provincial funding allocations vary, ranging from €129,477 in Huelva to €351,438 in Seville.

Public Criticism

• Activist groups, including Andalucía Laica and the Marea Blanca Coordinator, condemned the move as an "insult to Andalusian citizens."
• Critics highlight that the funding benefits chaplains appointed by bishops while public hospitals face severe structural deficiencies.
• Data from a June 2026 CIS survey indicates that only 22% of the Andalusian population identifies as practicing Catholic.
• Advocates demand the immediate repeal of the agreement, urging the government to redirect funds toward direct medical care and secular psychological support for patients and families.

Broader Religious Health Partnerships

• The regional government has previously facilitated partnerships with religious organizations, such as the Order of Saint John of God.
• In November 2025, the regional health department awarded a massive €533 million contract to private clinics, including €48 million distributed between Saint John of God hospitals in Seville and Córdoba.