The Basque Health Service, Osakidetza, has confirmed that six companies have entered the tender for the design of Irun's new health center in Oñaurre. Following technical evaluation, the economic assessment will take place before the contract is awarded. The selected firm will develop the technical documentation for this new healthcare facility, which will span approximately 3,500 square meters and require an investment exceeding 11 million euros.
Given the project's history of delays and setbacks, the exact completion date is less critical than ensuring continuous progress. Osakidetza is providing detailed information to underscore its firm commitment and ensure the project moves forward as swiftly as administrative processes allow.
This future health center will fundamentally transform public primary healthcare in the city. The Oñaurre facility aims to address current space shortages and accommodate Irun's projected population growth. According to Osakidetza's 2023 Master Plan, it will serve nearly 25,000 residents from areas including Belaskoenea, Lapize, Poblado Urdanibia, Anaka, and Ventas.
The project plans include a family medicine area with 27 consultations, a maternal and child area with 10, a multipurpose area with 4, and an outpatient consultation area with 7 spaces. The 3,500 square meters will also accommodate new roles such as optometrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and advanced practice nurses, as well as allowing hospital specialists to use multipurpose consultation rooms.
Osakidetza believes the new center will bring healthcare services closer to the population, strengthen community and preventive care, enhance multidisciplinary teamwork, and ensure a functional, accessible, and sustainable building design.
Mayor Cristina Laborda has positively acknowledged the submission of bids for the project design but emphasized that Irun's healthcare services remain insufficient. She called for the urgent restoration of pediatric emergency services, reinforcement of child psychiatry, and improvement of current services, noting over a decade of delays. The City Council has ceded premises on Alarde street to the Basque Government, urging it to recover lost time and address the public health needs of Irun.
