The Department of Health and Osakidetza have presented their strategic plans for the coming years, aiming to strengthen and modernize the healthcare system. Among these, a new difficult-to-fill OPE (Public Employment Offer) is being prepared for 2027, focused on attracting and retaining medical and nursing professionals.
As explained by the Minister of Health, Alberto Martínez, and the Director General of Osakidetza, Lore Bilbao, Euskadi has more doctors and nurses than ever, but it is necessary to continue incorporating and retaining professionals to meet current and future healthcare demand. Euskadi has 440 doctors per 100,000 inhabitants, exceeding the European average. In nursing, the ratio is 8.21 professionals per 1,000 inhabitants, the highest among autonomous communities.
The difficult-to-fill OPE for 2026, to be announced by the end of the year, will focus on hard-to-fill positions in Primary Care, particularly family medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry, and will also include specialties from regional hospitals. For instance, the four existing vacancies at the Andoain health center will be added to this offer.
Furthermore, the 2025-2032 Infrastructure Program foresees a significant increase in Osakidetza's surgical capacity. It currently has 170 operating rooms and procedure rooms, and 36 new ones will be added, representing a 21.2% increase to a total of 206 operating rooms. This investment will be distributed across eight hospitals, including Araba-Txagorritxu (7), Bidasoa (1), Zumarraga (5), Tolosa (6), Basurto (5), Cruces (1), Donostia (5), and Galdakao (5).
In the technological field, the Proton Therapy Unit at the Donostia University Hospital is one of the most relevant projects, with the first patient expected to be treated in early 2028. Additionally, 192.6 million euros will be allocated to renewing and acquiring advanced technology, such as 16 CT scanners, eight MRI machines, and eight linear accelerators.
In Primary Care, new health centers in Oion and Aretxabaleta have been completed, and the new clinic in Llodio has been inaugurated. An investment of 200.8 million euros is planned for 21 new centers and eight expansions or comprehensive renovations, including projects in Laguardia, Oinaurre (Irun), Arrigorriaga, and Urduliz.
In the hospital sector, the program allocates 842.7 million euros for the construction of new buildings, expansions, and modernizations. Works are underway or in the preparation phase at hospitals such as Basurto, Zumarraga, Bidasoa, Araba-Txagorritxu, and Tolosa. The new Tolosa Hospital is a strategic project with an investment of 107 million euros.
Meanwhile, Director General Lore Bilbao detailed the specific climate control and energy efficiency program, with an investment of 73.02 million euros until 2032, aimed at adapting centers and improving conditions for patients and professionals.
Finally, within the framework of the Basque Health Pact, a loan of up to 500 million euros has been formalized with the European Investment Bank to accelerate infrastructure investments. The goal is to strengthen Primary Care, improve hospital capacity, incorporate technology, and move towards more sustainable centers.
