Los derechos de los ciudadanos en relación con la salud y la atención sanitaria en Cataluña

Abstract

Concern for respect for citizens’ rights in matters relating to health and healthcare has been a priority of the health administration since the beginning of the transfer of health powers to Catalonia. To update previous declarations, in July 2002 the Catalan government approved the citizens’ charter of rights and responsibilities concerning health and healthcare as a programmatic declaration. Based on a global vision that goes beyond matters concerning healthcare exclusively, the charter promotes individual autonomy through joint participation in decisions affecting health and strengthens the responsibility that should be demanded in mature democratic societies. For the charter to come fully into force, it is intended to draw up a plan to increase awareness of the rights contained in it among organizations and health professionals, to disseminate knowledge of the charter among users, and to periodically evaluate the degree of respect for rights and responsibilities and their adaptation to citizens with specific characteristics.