Spanish Congress Moves Forward with Proposal for Free Optics for Minors
The Congress of Deputies supports a bill to provide free glasses and contact lenses to minors, with adult contributions based on economic status.
The Congress of Deputies in Spain has approved the consideration of a proposal to make optical products, including glasses and contact lenses, freely available to minors.
Adults would contribute to the costs based on their economic situation.
The proposal originates from the Parliament of Andalusia and has garnered support from both the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and the People's Party (PP).
The initiative aims to amend the 2003 Law on Cohesion and Quality of the National Health System, seeking to integrate glasses and contact lenses into the common service portfolio of the National Health System (SNS).
The bill's supporters emphasize the financial burden many families face regarding essential optical products, which they argue have become unaffordable for significant portions of the population.
José Ignacio García, a deputy from the Mixed Group-Adelante Andalucía, stated that millions of people across Spain cannot afford optical products, highlighting that 31% of children nationwide have unresolved visual health issues.
He pointed out that there is currently a 12% disparity in glasses usage between different social classes.
María del Pilar Navarro, a PSOE deputy, urged support for the legislation, advocating for the government to cover the costs of optical products through Social Security.
During discussions, Engracia Rivera from the Sumar party referenced a commitment by Health Minister Mónica García to enhance the common service portfolio concerning visual health, ensuring free access to glasses and contact lenses for vulnerable populations and children.
Rivera indicated that the Ministry has begun steps towards fulfilling this commitment.
Conversely, Elvira Velasco from the PP criticized the need for the Andalucía initiative, claiming it reflects the government's failure to fulfill an agreement between PSOE and Sumar to expand the service portfolio.
Velasco contested that the commitments of the government, particularly those regarding visual health, have not been adequately followed through.
María Carmen Castilla, another PSOE deputy, expressed support for the proposal while criticizing the Andalusian government for its management of health services, citing opposition from the PP to a law creating a State Health Public Agency.
Adults would contribute to the costs based on their economic situation.
The proposal originates from the Parliament of Andalusia and has garnered support from both the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and the People's Party (PP).
The initiative aims to amend the 2003 Law on Cohesion and Quality of the National Health System, seeking to integrate glasses and contact lenses into the common service portfolio of the National Health System (SNS).
The bill's supporters emphasize the financial burden many families face regarding essential optical products, which they argue have become unaffordable for significant portions of the population.
José Ignacio García, a deputy from the Mixed Group-Adelante Andalucía, stated that millions of people across Spain cannot afford optical products, highlighting that 31% of children nationwide have unresolved visual health issues.
He pointed out that there is currently a 12% disparity in glasses usage between different social classes.
María del Pilar Navarro, a PSOE deputy, urged support for the legislation, advocating for the government to cover the costs of optical products through Social Security.
During discussions, Engracia Rivera from the Sumar party referenced a commitment by Health Minister Mónica García to enhance the common service portfolio concerning visual health, ensuring free access to glasses and contact lenses for vulnerable populations and children.
Rivera indicated that the Ministry has begun steps towards fulfilling this commitment.
Conversely, Elvira Velasco from the PP criticized the need for the Andalucía initiative, claiming it reflects the government's failure to fulfill an agreement between PSOE and Sumar to expand the service portfolio.
Velasco contested that the commitments of the government, particularly those regarding visual health, have not been adequately followed through.
María Carmen Castilla, another PSOE deputy, expressed support for the proposal while criticizing the Andalusian government for its management of health services, citing opposition from the PP to a law creating a State Health Public Agency.
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