The Catalan government has launched a new €25 million 'Pla Cura' (Care Plan) to transform its dependency care system, according to President Salvador Illa. The initiative, announced on Sunday during a government working session at Món Sant Benet in Sant Fruitós de Bages, Barcelona, will add 200 new professionals.

President Illa stated the plan, set for approval by the Executive Council this Tuesday, will streamline the process for dependency aid. It will operate under the Agency for Integrated Social and Health Care, creating a 'closer' care model for residents.

The plan responds to demographic shifts and an ageing population, which Illa said the current system struggles to address. "We have found an outdated system that needs adapting and transforming to respond to this changed society," he explained.

Speeding Up Aid Applications

Developed by the departments of Health and Social Rights and Inclusion, the Pla Cura includes short-term measures for 2026 and 2027, with longer-term actions starting in 2027 and 2028. Currently, 128,000 people in Catalonia are awaiting completion of the dependency process, with an average wait of 397 days between application and the resolution of their individual care plan (PIA). The government expects to cut this to 60 days.

The Ministry of Health has identified nearly 18,000 individuals with a 'high probability' of severe dependency (Grade III). These cases can be confirmed semi-automatically via phone or video call and will receive a substitute benefit until their requested aid begins. Illa emphasised this 'common sense' approach. Priority will be given to complex situations involving mental health conditions and cases affecting children under six.

Person-Centred Approach and Investment

Illa highlighted the plan's 'person-centred' model, shifting from viewing dependency as an administrative process to one focused on the individual. He affirmed the executive's goal to position Catalonia at the "forefront of social policies and the modernisation of the dependency system," claiming Catalonia's policies in this area are the most ambitious.

The €25 million investment will fund 200 new professionals and allow for processing an additional 25,000 applications annually. It will also support the deployment of vSocial, a single technological tool for the entire process. The plan introduces an 'express PIA', which resolves the dependency grade application and PIA in a single administrative step. This is designed for those opting for family caregiver benefits or an economic benefit linked to a service. Illa estimates this fast-track option could benefit around 65,000 people, roughly half of all applications received in this area.

Expanding Access Points

Long-term measures include expanding from 25 dependency assessment services (SEVAD) to 375 primary care teams (EAP) and 107 basic social services. This means citizens can start their recognition process directly at primary care centres (CAPs) or through their reference social worker. CAP and social services professionals will assist individuals and families with applications, offer home care, and, if needed, conduct PIA assessments.

Implementation Timeline

The plan's rollout began with a pilot programme at the comprehensive health centre (CSIR) in Vic, Barcelona. This will expand to other CSIRs and a new Integrated Health Area, yet to be determined, starting in September. By March 2027, and continuing until December of that year, the plan will be generalised across all health regions of Catalonia.

The Generalitat is developing these measures as the "first major operational deployment" of the new Agency for Integrated Social and Health Care of Catalonia (Agaiss-Cat).