Consejo Interterritorial

The Consejo Interterritorial del Sistema Nacional de Salud (Interterritorial Council of the National Health System) is a key coordinating body in Spain's healthcare system. It brings together the Minister of Health and the regional health ministers (consejeros de Sanidad) from the different autonomous communities (CCAA). Its purpose is to foster cooperation and agreement on health policies and practices across the country. Recently, the Consejo Interterritorial has been in the news due to two major issues: the revision of euthanasia guidelines and the ongoing doctors' strike. A new draft manual on euthanasia practices, aiming to harmonize procedures and address conscientious objection, is scheduled for debate within the Council. Simultaneously, the CCAA are pressing the Ministry of Health to address the doctors' strike urgently, seeking a joint review of the situation. The Council's role is crucial in navigating these complex issues and finding solutions that are acceptable to both the central government and the regional authorities, ensuring consistent healthcare standards nationwide.