Spanish Government Designates Major Hospitals as Rare Disease Centers in Canary Islands

Overview

• The Spanish government has officially designated two major hospitals in the Canary Islands as provincial reference centers for managing rare diseases.
• These hospitals are:
  • Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital in Tenerife
  • Insular Materno-Infantil University Hospital in Gran Canaria
• They will serve as hubs for specialized, multidisciplinary care for patients with complex conditions.

Context and Importance

• Rare diseases affect fewer than 5 in 10,000 people in Europe.
• Often, these diseases remain undiagnosed for long periods, risking irreversible health consequences.
• Approximately 3 million Spaniards live with or are searching for a diagnosis.
• Improving access to early diagnosis and treatment is considered a public health priority.

Strategic Initiatives

• These designations are part of the broader Canary Islands’ 2022-2026 Rare Diseases Strategy.
• The strategy aims to:
  • Enhance treatment quality and coordination.
  • Feature dedicated units to serve both pediatric and adult patients.
• This approach addresses the high complexity of rare diseases.

Goals and Impact

• The move emphasizes the importance of specialized centers, especially in insular regions where access can be challenging.
• Goals include:
  • Consolidating expertise and resources.
  • Improving prognosis for affected individuals.
  • Reducing delays in diagnosis.
  • Offering tailored treatments.

Broader Implications

This reflects Spain’s ongoing efforts to align healthcare infrastructure with the needs of vulnerable groups and improve equity of care across complex, rare conditions.