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.
El Salto ·