The Minister of Health, Olga Pané, explained in statements to RTVE that, despite the drop in flu cases registered in the last two days, it is premature to confirm that the epidemic peak has been reached. She recalled that the virus has mutated significantly this year and that the Christmas holidays usually cause spikes in contagion, maintaining the forecast that the peak will arrive during these dates.
“"But at least, it has decelerated the growth it was carrying."
Regarding the hospital situation, Pané strongly denied that emergency services were collapsed, although she acknowledged they are "pressured" by the influx of patients, most of whom are not severe cases. She defended that patients receive immediate treatment. Furthermore, she dismissed the complaint filed by the unions FTC/IAC and CGT against her department and the Hospital del Mar, suggesting the action was seeking "notoriety".
Another point addressed was the management of sick leave. Pané defended the need to use it "adequately," noting that Catalonia is the second community with the highest number of leaves, a fact that concerns the department and represents 1% of the GDP. She also mentioned that incentive systems for healthcare professionals, such as the capitation model, are being studied.
