The health sector, the third in added value and job creation in Catalonia

The health sector occupies the third position in the Catalan economy in terms of added value, behind commerce and real estate activities, with 20,334 million euros in 2020. This is confirmed by the report The health sector in Catalonia, prepared by the Consell de Treball, Econòmic i Social de Catalunya (CTESC), which determines that it is also the third sector in job creation, behind commerce and tourism and with 369,000 workers.

Thus, the report concludes that the health sector is strategic for Catalonia, both from an economic and social point of view. The document also identifies profitable actions to improve the sustainability of the system, among which is the promotion of mental health, with actions to support people in the community and protect them from isolation and unwanted loneliness.

The report highlights that the sector generates economic activity, research, innovation, employment and has a significant capacity to generate wealth in the economy as a whole. On the other hand, the public and universal health system guarantees social cohesion and allows reducing socioeconomic inequalities through direct care and the generation of healthier environments, according to the report by the advisory body of the Government.

For every euro invested in health, according to the report, 0.80 euros are generated in the Catalan economy as a whole. Thus, for every euro of increase in final demand in health activities, the gross added value (GAV) of the economy increases by 0.80 euros. The document also highlights that 68.5% of the value of purchases made by the health sector from other sectors to produce goods and services originates in Catalonia.

One third of the population, with double health coverage

The report also highlights that private health spending has increased from 3,670 million euros in 2006 to 6,055 million in 2022. Spending on health-related insurance has doubled between 2010 and 2022, and the percentage of the population with double health coverage reached 31.4% in 2021, compared to 24.1% in 2013. The items that grew the most in 2021 were medical and hospital services (170.0%), dental services (69.4%), and paramedical services (37.4%).

The study proposes structural actions, such as valuing Catalonia's leadership in the field of health, the pharmaceutical sector, and biotechnology

It also warns of the "deficits" of the social care system; the "disaffection" of a part of the population towards the public health system due to "difficulties in accessing certain services"; the digital divide; the increase in mental health problems; health inequalities due to gender, education level and social class, and global risks related to the climate emergency, health emergencies due to infectious diseases and drug-resistant bacteria.

Proposals to face the challenges

To address these threats, the study proposes structural actions, such as valuing Catalonia's leadership in the field of health, the pharmaceutical sector and biotechnology, or creating an independent health evaluation agency. In addition, it proposes improving access to primary care and guaranteeing continuity of care between doctor and patient over time; increasing the number of family doctors, nurses and health administrators; incorporating new professional profiles into the CAPs, and reinforcing home care.

To improve the sustainability of the system, the document advocates integrating social and health care to promote continuity of care; promoting health in the territory, mental health and vaccination. It also suggests developing screening programs and "regulating" habits and lifestyles related to smoking, alcohol and salt consumption, internet addiction and pathological gambling, in order to improve the health of the population.