Advanced Cancer Treatment Delayed Across Valencia Due to Regulatory and Infrastructure Issues
Valencia, Spain – Cutting-edge cancer treatment technology remains stalled in two major Valencian hospitals, frustrating patients and sparking political clashes over obligation for the delays. The equipment, designed to deliver more precise and less invasive radiation therapy, has been largely inactive for months despite being purchased under the previous regional government.
One patient, whose story highlights the impact of the stalled rollout, experienced significant scarring following a cancer operation 40 years ago. She expressed her disappointment, stating that any reduction in treatment-related side effects woudl be “a very good news.” Her case underscores the potential benefits of the new technology, which promises to minimize the “burns” and other complications associated with older radiation techniques. The situation has ignited a debate between the current and former administrations, centering on issues of infrastructure readiness and regulatory approvals.
The stalled machines – located at the General Hospital of Castellón and the Hospital of Elche – represent a significant investment in advanced cancer care. The General Hospital has received initial safety clearance from the Council for Nuclear Safety but awaits final testing. Elche hospital secured the necessary safety approval “this month,” with plans to launch the service by year-end.
The delay has drawn sharp criticism from the PSPV, the Valencian socialist party. Rafa simó, the party’s health spokesperson, submitted parliamentary questions and accused the PP of prioritizing private healthcare at the expense of the public system, claiming the public system is being “thinned out to push the private sector.” Regional health officials, though, blame the previous Botànic government for purchasing the equipment “without having adapted operating rooms to house them and without having the corresponding authorizations from the Council of Nuclear safety.”
The Valencian regional governance anticipates the technology will be operational within the coming months, offering a potential advancement in treatment outcomes and reduced side effects for cancer patients across the region.