The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha and the regional health service SESCAM have launched the programme Horizonte Rural to strengthen health education and community prevention in rural communities with difficult access. According to the government, the sessions aim to promote healthy habits, improve self-management and make it easier to access healthcare services. The first workshops took place in several towns in September 2026.
Delivery and content: According to the regional administration and the participating health centres, the activities are led by nurses specialising in family and community care. The main topics are healthy eating, physical activity and emotional wellbeing. Participants also receive practical guidance on Mi Salud Digital, Castilla-La Mancha’s digital patient platform, for managing appointments, viewing test results and accessing information about medicines. The programme follows the Plan de Salud Horizonte 2025, which systematically strengthens Primary care and digital services.
First sessions: Municipal notices refer to events in Quintanar de Rey, Lezuza and Motilleja. These local events combine information, discussion and practical exercises. Reports from the municipalities document several sessions during September 2026. The regional government describes Horizonte Rural as a temporary boost to activities already under way in primary care.
Rationale and context: Castilla-La Mancha is one of Spain’s largest Autonomous Communities by area and includes extensive areas with low population density. The government points to barriers to accessing health services in such regions. Horizonte Rural is intended to ease the burden on existing primary care teams, bring prevention closer to residents and expand digital routes into the system. Mi Salud Digital is seen as key to resolving routine matters without long journeys and improving continuity of care.
Status and outstanding points: Official documents and regional announcements confirm the programme’s launch and content. No detailed cost plan or evaluation framework has yet been published. According to the regional administration, the programme’s duration will depend on the results of the first rounds and the funds available. Plans to extend it to other municipalities are expressed as an intention and remain subject to funding. Independent impact data are not yet available; the announced data collection is due to follow the end of the first round.
Editor: Clara Simonichek (Article created with AI assistance).