Long-Term Strategy for Public Health
On Friday 16 October 2026, President of the Generalitat Salvador Illa and Minister of Health Olga Pané presented the Catalonia Health Plan – Horizon 2035, a comprehensive framework setting 50 measurable health objectives and 135 interventions to be achieved by 2035. The plan aims to raise the number of years Catalans live in good health from 68 to 70 and cut preventable mortality by 15%. According to data cited from 2024, there were 10,939 preventable deaths in Catalonia. The strategy targets reductions in deaths from specific cancers, strokes, physical injuries, and suicides, as well as eliminating cervical cancer and hepatitis C infections.
Six Key Action Areas
The plan is structured around six core lines of action: prevention, health inequalities, mental health, ageing, environmental protection, and person-centred healthcare. It recognises that health is shaped by conditions from birth through work and ageing, and calls for coordinated public policies across sectors including education, housing, food, urban planning, and employment. Pané stressed that improving the minimum wage is a valid public health measure, reflecting the plan’s broad, cross-departmental approach. The Generalitat says the strategy involved twelve departments, local authorities, civil society, and the economic sector in its development.
The challenge now is not to live more years, but with more health, well-being and autonomy. This is the great change we are proposing.
Measurable Targets and Participation
The plan sets specific goals, including reducing tobacco consumption to below 15% of the population, achieving a 70% five-year cancer survival rate, lowering the rate of low emotional well-being to under 10%, and ensuring half of all adults meet recommended physical activity levels. It also aims to reduce excess weight to below 30% among children and 50% among adults. The document was developed through a participatory process involving over 4,300 people, including 3,400 citizens and more than 700 health professionals. Implementation will occur through multi-year operational plans, with regular evaluations to monitor progress.
What This Means for Residents
Catalans can expect increased focus on preventive care, mental health support, and policies addressing social determinants of health. The plan’s success will depend on sustained cross-sectoral collaboration and funding. More details are available on the Scientia Salut portal, the Generalitat’s knowledge and health innovation platform.
Primary sources: govern.cat, Departament de Salut. Reported by catalan.news, en.ara.cat, cronicasanitaria.es, llobregatnoticies.com, particle.news, es.ara.cat, rtve.es, Europa Press.
