Healthcare Centers in Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara Require More Medical Staff
The healthcare centers and clinics in Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara are in need of an additional 14 doctors and 3 pediatricians, according to estimates by the Medical Union of Malaga (SMM). The union criticizes the significant deficit in primary care on the Costa del Sol, not only in terms of staff but also in facilities.
Study Reveals Staffing Needs in Primary Care
A year and a half ago, the union conducted a study to determine the real needs for family doctors and pediatricians in primary care, aiming to adjust them to the desirable ratios set by the Health Council. In the Costa del Sol Health District, the average is 1,500 patients per family doctor and 1,000 per pediatrician. At that time, the registered population in the database was approximately 523,757 users, requiring 35 family doctors and 6 pediatricians.
Insufficient Staffing Authorizations in 2023
During 2023, after several meetings with the management, the union was informed that only 22 of the 35 necessary family doctor positions and 1 pediatrician position had been authorized. According to the union, the municipality of Marbella needs to expand its staff by 14 doctors and 3 pediatricians.
San Pedro Alcántara Health Center Faces Staff Shortage
The study by the Medical Union of Malaga found that the San Pedro Alcántara health center has the least staff relative to the number of patients it serves. With 22 doctors serving 42,441 users, the average is 1,930, significantly higher than the ideal. Six more doctors are needed.
Leganitos Health Center in Marbella Needs More Doctors
The Leganitos health center in Marbella has the greatest needs, requiring four more doctors. It currently has 22 positions for its 42,441 users, resulting in an average of 1,755.
Las Albarizas Health Center Almost Fully Staffed
The situation at the Las Albarizas health center is the best, with almost no staff shortage. With one more doctor, the situation would be normal. It has 25 doctors for 38,404 users, with an average of 1,536 patients per doctor.
Las Chapas Clinic and La Campana Clinic Need More Doctors
The Las Chapas clinic has two doctors for 5,610 users, with an average of 2,805. It needs two more doctors. The La Campana clinic has six doctors serving 10,850 users, with an average of 1,808. It needs one more doctor.
