Download Some Cultural Specifics on Healthcare Issues in

Some Cultural Specifics on Healthcare Issues in
SPAIN
Family Doctor
The figure of, family doctor'refers to the professional who
dispenses primary care. Formerly called, General Practitioner ',
still some people uses this term. For any any illness or disease,
the patient should go to the family doctor who will attend the
patient and forward him/her to a specialist if necessary.
Pediatrics
The Government approved last April 2013 the Plan for Childhood and Adolescence 20132016 proposed by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, which includes
among its measures to extend pediatric care until 18 years of age. Thus, states that
patients may remain under pediatric units up to 18 years of age.
Medication
Prescriptions issued by doctors are presented by the patients in the pharmacies for the
collection of medicines. Pharmacies are the only places that can dispense medicines, and
should be run by a licensed pharmacist. There are also the so-called parafarmacias where
you can buy medicinal products other than medicines. With the current economic crisis,
the government has introduced in the Spanish health system new formulas as the drug
copayment, payment of 1 euro per prescription (in some regions), and recently copayment by chronic patients of 10% of medications dispensed in hospital pharmacies (42
medicines).
Traditional Medicine
In general terms, in Spain the public health service (Social Security) does not include
traditional medicine. Only in very exceptional cases were acupuncture, naturopathy and
homeopathy treatments were provided in public hospitals. Alternative therapies or
practicioners titles are not officially recognized. However, there is some interest to achieve
legal recognition of acupuncture, naturopathy and homeopathy. Some medical official
schools discus on the subject, and the Ministry of Health has created a technical
committee negotiating with the more representative associationsof the sector.
Take Care Project: Healthcare Language Guide for Migrants
(526736-LLP-1-2012-1-NL-GRUNDTVIG-GMP)
www.takecareproject.eu