Waiting lists for surgeries, tests and appointments fall by 34% in two years in Catalonia

Waiting lists for surgery, diagnostic tests and specialist appointments beyond the target time have collectively decreased by 34.2% over the past two years in Catalonia.   

Compared to 2022, waiting lists beyond target times have been reduced by 61 for operations, 30% for diagnostic tests and 12% for specialist appointments. Waiting times for surgery in Catalonia are the lowest since 2007. 

Catalonia's health minister, Manel Balcells, celebrated the figures but acknowledged that there is still progress to be made. 

"We've made an effort, an economic effort, and it has borne fruit in shorter waiting lists and in primary health care," he said.  

In primary care, 64% of patients were seen within five days or less, and 82% within ten days or less. These figures return waiting times to pre-pandemic levels.