Rewrite
Thus, the proposal of the Andalusian Parliament continues its parliamentary process, after the PSOE has expressed its support and the PP has shown favor. The initiative aims to reform Law 16/2003 on the cohesion and quality of the National Health System with the purpose of providing free glasses and contact lenses for all minors.
Additionally, adults, depending on their socio-economic situation, could also benefit from this law, as the NHS would contribute to the financing of these optical products. The goal of the law is for glasses and contact lenses to be included in the common services portfolio of the National Health System.
«There are millions of people across the country who cannot afford glasses and contact lenses, something as simple as that. Glasses and contact lenses have become more of a fashion product than a health one,» said José Ignacio García, a member of the Adelante Andalucía Mixed Group, who was one of the three regional deputies who defended the initiative.
At this point, García pointed out that 31 percent of minors nationwide have unresolved visual health issues. «Furthermore, there is currently a 12 percent difference in the use of glasses among social classes,» he added.
«We come here today to ask for support for the consideration of a measure that requests the Spanish Government, through Social Security, to take on the costs of optical products,» insisted PSOE deputy María del Pilar Navarro.
GOVERNMENT PROMISE
During the position statements, Sumar deputy Engracia Rivera recalled that Health Minister Mónica García announced in the Health Commission of the Congress her commitment to expand the common portfolio of services and provisions of the NHS in visual health.
«To ensure, among other measures, free access to glasses and contact lenses for vulnerable individuals and the child population, which will be done throughout the legislature. The Ministry has already started on the path to fulfilling this commitment,» Rivera emphasized.
At this point, PP deputy Elvira Velasco lamented that this initiative of the Andalusian Parliament would not be necessary «if the Government had fulfilled its government agreement between the parties that sit in the Council of Ministers, PSOE and Sumar.»
«This agreement talks about expanding the service portfolio and defining a specific program of direct aid. A year and a half into this agreement and it is conspicuously absent,» Velasco highlighted.
In line with this, the ‘popular’ party criticized that «there are so many announcements from this Government, and especially from the Health Minister, that amount to mere announcements.»
On the other hand, PSOE deputy María Carmen Castilla expressed her support for the process, despite criticizing the «posturing» of the Andalusian government in healthcare management. She also reproached the PP for voting against the Law creating the State Agency of Public Health after «a shameful spectacle.»