article_detail

Waiting times in the Region of Murcia’s public healthcare system are heading in the wrong direction again, with patients now waiting longer for surgery, specialist appointments and key diagnostic tests than they were six months ago.

 

New figures published by the Murcian Health Service show that by the end of December 2025, the average wait for surgery had risen to 102.7 days, up from 96.6 days in June. The average wait to see a specialist now stands at 89.3 days, compared to 82.8 days six months earlier, while diagnostic tests are taking an average of 24.77 days, also slightly higher than in the summer.

 

For many residents, particularly older patients managing ongoing conditions, that means more time in limbo.

 

In total, 34,197 people are currently on the surgical waiting list, with 8,292 waiting longer than the 150-day maximum set by the regional government. For specialist consultations, 112,064 patients are waiting, and more than 24,000 still do not have an appointment date.

 

The regional targets are 150 days for surgery, 50 days for specialist appointments and 30 days for diagnostic tests. While surgery and tests remain broadly within limits on average, the 89.3-day wait for a first specialist visit is well above the 50-day goal.

 

Some areas are under particular pressure. Rafael Méndez Hospital in Lorca has the longest average surgical wait at 138 days, while Dermatology at Los Arcos del Mar Menor stands out sharply, with an average delay of 358 days, almost a full year, and most patients still without a confirmed date.

 

The figures come amid continued strain on the system. It was recently highlighted that Murcia’s public healthcare is widely valued by patients, but waiting times are testing patience. Earlier this month, it also emerged that more than 186,000 patients would be assigned a new doctor as further strike action was announced.

 

December’s strike days alone led to the cancellation of 13,992 appointments, more than 500 operations and 1,600 tests.

 

Health officials are focusing on the year-on-year comparison. Compared to December 2024, patients are waiting 7.67 days less for a specialist, 4.39 days less for surgery and 3.29 days less for diagnostic tests. Health Minister Juan José Pedreño described the data as “very positive and encouraging”, adding that “this data encourages us to continue working and not to be complacent.”

 

The contrast with Andalucía, where waiting lists have recently been reduced and times cut significantly, will not go unnoticed.

 

 

Image: Archive