Several civic and patient organisations in Málaga province are backing the protest over the suspected use of expired or unstable reagents in the laboratory at the Hospital Comarcal de la Axarquía. Representatives of AMAMA, the Marea Blanca de Málaga, the seniors’ association Jubilados del SAS and the Plataforma en Defensa de la Sanidad Pública del Rincón de la Victoria announced a rally on 24 September in Vélez-Málaga for 15 October in Torre del Mar They are demanding transparency about possible irregularities, protection for whistleblowers, and guarantees for patients and staff.
The event follows a dispute that has been simmering for months. Staff had reported that reagents whose expiry dates had passed, or whose stability could not be guaranteed, had repeatedly been used in the laboratory. The Málaga Public Prosecutor’s Office opened preliminary proceedings to establish the scope of the matter and who was responsible. Based on the information made public so far, there have been no court rulings; the examination of the allegations is ongoing.
The management of Hospital Comarcal de la Axarquía rejects the allegations. In statements, it says it follows manufacturers’ instructions and internal quality protocols, and that expired or unusable reagents are disposed of. Staff who have spoken publicly about problems, however, report pressure at work. According to their account, trade unions and the labour inspectorate are involved.
Political pressure is mounting. The Adelante Andalucía parliamentary group wants the case discussed in the plenary of the Andalusian Parliament. Its MP Luis Rodrigo is seeking answers from the regional government, protection for whistleblowers and a full investigation. Civic groups see the case as a risk to trust in laboratory diagnostic procedures if the suspicion is confirmed.
Four questions are now central: first, during what period and to what extent potentially faulty analyses were carried out; second, whether and how patient results were affected; third, how internal control and reporting channels worked; and fourth, whether organisational or personnel consequences are warranted. The rally organisers are calling for prompt interim reports to inform those affected and arrange repeat tests if necessary.
Whatever the outcome of the investigation, the case will be a test of quality assurance in Andalusian healthcare. The forthcoming debate in the Parliament of Andalusia and the planned rally in Torre del Mar put the hospital management and the responsible administration under scrutiny. A final assessment will only be possible once the Málaga Public Prosecutor’s Office has completed its checks and the health authorities have presented their internal audits.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).