Tomás Pérez denies "chaos" in health services and says Fuerteventura is moving toward a stronger healthcare system

Tomás Pérez, Director of the Fuerteventura Health Area, highlighted a “qualitative leap” in the island’s healthcare. He also noted a recent change in the management of health services, with Marisa Naranjo stepping down and Alejandro Miguens Uriel taking over.

The medical helicopter: a milestone for the islands

“Having this helicopter is a health milestone not only for Fuerteventura but for all the eastern islands, as it answers a historic demand that we have finally materialised after many years of struggle.”

The medicalised helicopter, based in Fuerteventura, entered service on 23 March. It belongs to the new fleet of the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), funded with €39 million to improve response times for severe emergencies in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa.

The service is staffed entirely by personnel from the Health Management: eight doctors and eight nurses.
Within minutes of its inauguration, the helicopter performed its first mission, transporting a patient from Jandía to the hospital, and later the same day flew to El Hierro.
In its first month, the three SUC helicopters carried out 171 interventions, 150 of them intra‑hospital transfers.

Impact on the southern part of the island

“The helicopter is fully operational and its impact in the south is especially relevant. Because of the distance from the hospital, the reduced transport times can be decisive for patient outcomes.”

The southern municipalities, previously disadvantaged by their remoteness, now benefit from faster emergency transport, improving equity in urgent care access.

The upcoming Centre of Specialties in La Lajita

The General Directorate of Economic Resources of the Canary Health Service launched a tender on 8 December 2025 for the project drafting of the Centre of Specialties (CAE) in La Lajita, valued at €467 200,97 plus IGIC.
Four companies submitted offers; the award is expected within the first half of 2026, provided administrative procedures run smoothly.
Once awarded, the execution phase is planned for up to eight months to deliver a definitive architectural project.

Expected facilities

The CAE will cover at least 16 000 m² and include:

22 medical specialty consultation rooms
11 nursing/midwifery consultation rooms
5 treatment rooms
Units for mental health, early intervention, rehabilitation, pain management, and home hospitalization
A day hospital, hemodialysis unit, outpatient surgery, imaging, laboratory, and blood bank

These services aim to provide comprehensive, local care for the southern population.

Management change: no “chaos”

Marisa Naranjo, who succeeded Javier Suleimán after his retirement, resigned for personal reasons. Pérez emphasized:

“There is no chaos in the management. Alejandro Miguens is already part of the leadership team, knows the organisation well, and will ensure continuity of ongoing work.”

Surgical waiting lists

Pérez acknowledged ongoing efforts to reduce surgical waiting lists, especially in specialties with the longest delays. Measures include:

Optimising operating‑room usage
Reinforcing staff rosters
Expanding ambulatory surgery

He also noted that the national doctors’ strike over the “Statute Framework” has negatively affected waiting times, criticizing the Socialist Party for its role in the strike.

Specialist shortages

The regional budget has allowed the staff to grow to 1 693 professionals, with an investment of over €58 million.
However, non‑capital islands face structural challenges: high turnover, difficulty retaining staff, and housing shortages that hinder long‑term settlement.
Recent successes include the establishment of a cardiology hemodynamics unit, advances in stroke care, and home hospitalization services.
Plans are underway to add two more specialists in rehabilitation and gastroenterology soon.

Colon‑cancer screening follow‑up

Positive colon‑cancer screening results are being monitored according to established protocols. While occasional delays occur, the health authority is prioritising high‑risk cases and accelerating diagnostic colonoscopies.

Infrastructure projects: El Castillo clinic and 24‑hour emergencies in Antigua

El Castillo clinic: After 2023, the Health Service incorporated the locality into the functional plan of the El Matorral clinic. The island’s administration is now negotiating with the Antigua municipality for the transfer of ≈2 000 m² of land to build the clinic, avoiding airport noise impact.
24‑hour emergency point in Antigua: A specific budget line has been allocated. The Directorate of Assistance Programs requires a minimum set of spaces to host the continuous‑care point, likely leading to an expansion of the health centre. Meanwhile, medical staff in Antigua have been reinforced, and services such as tele‑dermatology and retinal imaging have been expanded.

Ongoing investment in health infrastructure (2026 budget)

CAE La Lajita: €6.5 million (part of a larger €6.5 million allocation for island‑wide health investments).
Dunas de Corralejo II health centre: ≈€2 million.
Puerto del Rosario II health centre expansion: €50 000.
Local clinic of El Matorral: €100 000.
Antigua emergency point: €100 000.
Local clinic of El Castillo: €30 000.
Gran Tarajal health centre upgrade: ≈€500 000.
Morro Jable health centre improvements: €257 490.
Dialysis service in Costa Calma: €739 241.

Hospital General of Fuerteventura

Construction of a two‑storey wing: €276 786,84.
Roof replacement for the supply building: €50 000.
€100 000 allocated for drafting the Master Plan of the Hospital General Virgen de la Peña, which will guide the next 15 years of development, including functional planning, space programming, and parking solutions.

Priorities for the remainder of the legislative term

Continue reducing surgical waiting lists.
Consolidate staff reinforcement.
Advance ongoing infrastructure projects.
Improve accessibility and quality of care across the island.

Three‑year reflection

“The balance is positive. These three years have been intense, tackling major challenges while achieving significant advances such as the medical helicopter and long‑awaited infrastructure projects. We are laying the foundations for a more solid, accessible health system for Fuerteventura.”