Feb 13 • 11:13 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

A very measured Ayuso talks about a Madrid healthcare system that surpasses Stockholm's, to try to keep MIR graduates in the region

Isabel Díaz Ayuso promotes Madrid's healthcare as superior in an attempt to retain recent medical graduates amidst ongoing tensions with the national health ministry.

Spanish President Isabel Díaz Ayuso attended a medical event where she praised Madrid's healthcare system as the best in Spain and beyond, even claiming it surpasses that of Stockholm. Her comments come as part of a larger strategy to encourage recent MIR graduates, or medical interns, to remain in the region instead of seeking opportunities elsewhere. This reflects efforts to bolster local healthcare capabilities and retain talent in what has been a competitive environment for medical professionals.

Interestingly, Ayuso chose not to engage in the ongoing conflicts with the national government regarding healthcare policies, specifically a new law aimed at curtailing the privatization of the health sector. Recently, Ayuso has been vocal against the policies promoted by Pedro Sánchez's government, which have sparked debates about the future of public versus private healthcare in Spain. By maintaining a measured tone at the event, Ayuso appears to be strategically avoiding potential backlash while still advocating for her policies and vision for Madrid.

This approach highlights a crucial moment in Spanish healthcare debate, as Ayuso has faced criticism from the left for her administration's privatization efforts. By presenting Madrid's healthcare in a positive light and appealing directly to healthcare professionals, particularly graduates, Ayuso aims to solidify her base of support while mitigating tensions with national authorities. The success of her efforts could have significant implications for the future dynamics of healthcare policy in Spain, especially regarding local versus national governance and the role of privatization in public services.

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