Spanish National Health System
The Spanish National Health System is the agglomeration of public healthcare services that has existed in Spain since it was established through and structured by the Ley General de Sanidad of 1986. Management of these services has been progressively transferred to the distinct autonomous communities of Spain, while some continue to be operated by the National Institute of Health Management, part of the Ministry of Health and Social Policy. The activity of these services is harmonized by the Interterritorial Council of the Spanish National Health Service in order to give cohesion to the system and to guarantee the rights of citizens throughout Spain. Article 46 of the Ley General de Sanidad establishes the fundamental characteristics of the SNS: a. Extension of services to the entire population. b. Adequate organization to provide comprehensive health care, including promotion of health, prevention of disease, treatment and rehabilitation. c. Coordination and, as needed, integration of all public health resources into a single system. d.
