Barcelona Approves Action Plan on Drugs and Addictions 2025-2028 as Catalan Health Reforms Advance

Barcelona's Full Council has approved the Action Plan on Drugs and Addictions 2025-2028, which sets 150 goals focused on reducing alcohol accessibility and preventing addictions. The Catalan government approved a reform of the healthcare professionals' framework statute in March 2026 that eliminates 24-hour medical on-call duties and caps weekly hours at 45. Royal Decree 180/2026, also approved in March 2026, removes administrative barriers to publicly funded health services for all residents.

Expanded Neighbourhood Health Programme

More than €4.5 million in new funding supports expansion of the Barcelona Neighbourhood Health programme to 11 additional areas and upgrades to primary care centres. Catalonia's Department of Health is rolling out tailored care plans for approximately 300,000 chronically ill patients. These steps target reduced hospital admissions and better medication management for local residents managing long-term conditions.

Daily Effects for Residents

Residents can expect changes in how primary care is delivered as the Barcelona Neighbourhood Health programme reaches more neighbourhoods. The statute reform affects how doctors and other professionals schedule shifts in public facilities across the city. Removal of administrative barriers under Royal Decree 180/2026 aims to simplify enrollment in publicly funded services for people living in Barcelona. The drug action plan introduces measures that influence local availability of alcohol and support services for addiction prevention.

The government projects these policies will improve coordination between primary care and community services. Implementation of the care plans for chronic patients is already underway through the Department of Health. Further rollout of the expanded Neighbourhood Health programme and the 2025-2028 drug plan will occur according to the timelines set by the Full Council and regional authorities.