The investigation, titled Psychiatric Institutions in Catalonia during the Civil War (1936 – 1939), highlights the dire conditions faced by patients. In Sant Boi, more than 3,000 people died, most of whom were buried in mass graves at the local cemetery.
According to Robles, mortality rates spiked in 1938 due to severe malnutrition and lack of medical resources. Records from the time show that in October 1938 alone, 299 patients passed away in the Sant Boi facility.
“"In his ward, they only received two loaves of bread for 54 patients."
While hunger was the main cause in Sant Boi, other centers like Torribera in Santa Coloma de Gramenet suffered from extreme cold. The association Besnets per la Dignitat is now working to ensure these forgotten victims are officially recognized.
