Spain has a culturally diverse heritage and is the second largest country in the European Union. But what is it like in terms of healthcare market research? Sara Rivas presents a pocket guide of key facts surrounding the healthcare market and research in Spain
Sara Rivas 
23 Feb, 2010
BHI Pocket Guides: Spain
Spain is a member state of the European Union located in south-western Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. With an area of 504,030 km², Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union after France. Spain is known for its culturally diverse heritage, having been influenced by many nations throughout its history. Spanish culture has its origins in the Iberian, Celtiberian, Latin, Visigothic, Roman Catholic, and Islamic cultures.
The Spanish healthcare system provides health services to all Spanish residents. The system is based on universal healthcare, therefore non-residents, tourists and even people living in the country illegally are never denied treatment.
Spain's healthcare system is considered one of the best public health programs in the world and was ranked 7th on the World Health Organisation list.
However, the system is not ideal. Most people who can afford to purchase private healthcare often choose this option. Despite the high quality of the public system, the long waiting periods patients are often faced with can be daunting. Private healthcare companies usually offer quick attention, while the waiting time at public facilities can often be months or even years.
Key Facts about Spanish Healthcare:
System Type/Funding: Spain's national healthcare system covers 100% of the Spanish nationals, in spite of of economic situation or participation in the social security network. The national healthcare system is decentralized in order to provide greater and equal access to the population and consequently avoiding the concentration of health services in urban areas.
Healthcare spend % of GDP: 8.1%
Average life expectancy:
Male: 78 years Female: 84 years
Fertility Rate: 1.3
Population: 43,887,000 approx.
| No. of Hospitals: 800 No. of PCPs: 71,000 | |||
| Approx No. of Consultants Across Spain | |||
| Cardiologists | 2,001 | Dermatologists | 1,000 |
| Endocrinologists | 900 | Gastroenterologists | 1,750 |
| Neurologists | 1,300 | Obs/Gynae | 3,600 |
| Oncologists | 1,100 | Ophthalmologists | 2,300 |
| Paediatricians | 9,130 | Psychiatrists | 2,600 |
| Rheumatologists | 700 | Urologists | 1,500 |
Market Research in the Spain
Market research in Spain is well established and the country has a number of market research facilities that recruit and interview respondents for healthcare / pharmaceutical research. The map below shows areas where research is typically conducted and the number of facilities in each location.
Sources:
www.spanish-town-guides.com/
www.mrps.es
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