According to the head of the Department for Health, statistics recently released show that the Malaga region are lagging behind when it comes to medical waiting lists. So unless you’re an emergency, be prepared!

For operations whose maximum waiting time is 120 days – Malaga’s waiting time is 54 days, and the Andalusian average is 50 days.

For first appointments to see a specialist – Malaga’s waiting time is 50 days, and the Andalusian average is 48 days. At the end of 2009 that equated to a massive 41,588 patients who were still waiting to see a specialist.

For diagnostic tests – Malaga’s waiting time is around 23 days, similar to that of the Andalusian average.

What’s the official word

The Department of Health says that they’re addressing the waiting list issues and have already instigated the afternoon opening hours for operating theatres.

They say that they’re also investigating the increase in demand shown in recent years. One theory is that the population in the area is growing quicker than they are able to cope with. Another theory is that the population is becoming predominantly older.

This second theory may in fact prove to be correct as it seems that the majority of operations are for age related problems, such as the removal of cataracts and bunions.

Are there ways around the problem?

The answer to that one is yes. You can’t jump the queues within the national health service but you can go privately which would cut waiting times.

I know it all means extra money to pay out monthly for private health care, or pay a lump sum to the private hospitals, but if you don’t have your health – what do you have?

By the way, if you’re one of the unfortunate people waiting on one of these lists, you can check what position you’re at. Go to the official Andalusian Health Service website which is www.juntadeandalucia.es/salud