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Date Published: 20/10/2023

Murcia medical cards still not being issued: Some patients still waiting nearly two years later

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Regional Health Ministry blames "lack of plastic", and points out that an "alternative solution" is underway

Murcia medical cards still not being issued: Some patients still waiting nearly two years later

Patients of the Servicio Murciano Salud (SMS), the Murcia regional health services, are becoming concerned at the length of time replacement medical cards are taking to arrive... or to be more precise not arrive.

Over a year ago, the SMS confirmed that no cards had been manufactured since October 2021. Now, two years have passed with patients using A4-sized temporary documents which are awkward to carry around and deteriorate quickly if not protected.

Patients are not happy with the situation and instead of carrying a laminated health card which fits easily in wallets and purses alongside ID cards, driving licences and debit/credit cards they are having to find a way to keep safe a flimsy piece of paper. While this may be acceptable for a short period of time, the pieces of paper are prone to ripping and general wear, especially over an extended time. The other worry is that the temporary document has an expiry date 3 months after issue.

According to an explanation offered some months ago by the relevant SMS department, the problem was due to "a lack of plastic", although the SMS now notes that it is "working on an alternative solution that will be implemented soon".

The Association of Health Users asked for explanations last February, and the Health Ministry announced that "the pertinent steps were being taken to carry out a minor contract, so that in approximately one month the cards can be reissued in plastic". Eight months have passed since this response, and the cards are still not reaching patients. The association has already warned that the lack of laminated cards is a nuisance especially "for older people" who may have a tendency to use them more.

The SMS has confirmed that the 3 months expiry date is not applicable and that the paper versions are valid regardless of this deadline, remaining legitimate until a replacement card is received. They add that patients lose their paper or want a new temporary document they can obtain one at the same health office that issued the first one.

In the meantime, the wait goes on with a possible "alternative solution" promised by the SMS. In this electronic age, that could mean any number of possible options. The repeat prescription procedure has recently been modified and many patients will be hoping the card situation will also be resolved soon.

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