Canary Islands' Health Department Launches Voluntary Transfer Process

Overview

The Canary Islands' Health Department has launched a voluntary transfer process aimed at filling basic positions for Family Doctors and Pediatricians in primary care. This move targets addressing staffing shortages in these key medical roles across the public health sector, especially in non-capital islands, where attracting professionals remains challenging.

Eligibility and Participation

• Participating staff must be permanent employees of the health service, currently in active duty or similar situations.
• They must meet specific eligibility criteria.
• The process emphasizes merit points based on relevant experience.
• Extra incentives are provided for working in difficult-to-staff island areas, reflecting efforts to improve healthcare access for residents across a geographically dispersed region.

Application and Selection

• Applicants can rank multiple positions.
• The system allows for the inclusion of vacancies resulting from this process into future recruitment activities.
• The competition operates transparently.
• Deadlines for application submission are set for October 2025.
• There are clear rules for how decisions are made and how appeals can be filed.

Objectives and Broader Impact

"This initiative aims to stabilize staffing in primary care, ensuring that essential services reach more communities."

• It also aligns with broader efforts to improve healthcare distribution within Spain’s national health system.
• Addresses persistent professional shortages.
• Fosters equitable access across the islands.