135 Measures to Improve Public Health by 2035

On Friday 16 October 2026, President of the Generalitat Salvador Illa and Health Minister Olga Pané presented the Pla de Salut de Catalunya-Horitzó 2035, a comprehensive public health strategy setting 50 objectives and 135 measures to be achieved by 2035. The plan aims to raise the number of years Catalans live in good health from 68 to 70 and reduce preventable mortality by 15%. According to data cited from 2024, there were 10,939 preventable deaths in Catalonia. The strategy targets reductions in deaths from specific cancers, strokes, and suicide, as well as eliminating cervical cancer and hepatitis C infections.

"Our objective is not to live longer, but to live those years with health, wellbeing, and autonomy,"

said Pané, emphasising a shift from treating illness to promoting conditions for lifelong health.

Focus on Prevention, Equity, and Social Determinants

The plan is structured around six key axes: prevention, health inequalities, mental health, ageing, environmental protection, and person-centred healthcare. It recognises that health is shaped by conditions from birth through work and ageing. Pané highlighted that improving the minimum wage is a valid public health measure, reflecting the strategy's broad approach. The plan also seeks to reduce inequalities linked to gender, education, socioeconomic status, and geography, monitoring access, quality, and outcomes across these groups. A total of 4,300 people contributed to the plan’s development, including 3,400 citizens and over 700 health professionals, alongside representatives from local government and civil society.

  • Reduce adult smoking to below 15%
  • Ensure over 50% of adults meet physical activity guidelines
  • Lower excess weight to under 30% in children and 50% in adults
  • Increase daily consumption of five portions of fruit and vegetables to over 20%
  • Achieve 70% five-year cancer survival rate

High-Impact Actions and Environmental Health

Twenty-five of the 135 measures are classified as high-impact. These include working with food retailers to create healthier, sustainable supermarkets, introducing fiscal incentives for healthy eating, and passing a new Tobacco Law. The plan also calls for urban regeneration under the Pla de barrios initiative and strengthening primary care in high-vulnerability areas. Collaboration with the Education and Sports departments will promote school retention, cycling infrastructure, extracurricular sports, and physical activity prescriptions through primary care. Mental health efforts will focus on strengthening primary care services, integrating addiction and mental health networks, supporting parenting, and addressing emotional wellbeing in children’s environments. For older people, the plan includes a multicomponent approach to prevent falls, covering physical exercise, nutrition, medication review, and social support.

"Zero voice to anti-science,"

declared President Illa, reiterating his stance following a recent public controversy involving a Catalan public broadcaster’s interview with anti-vaccine figures. He urged media, especially public broadcasters, to amplify health professionals and silence misinformation. The strategy will be implemented through a multiannual operational plan updated every three years. Most measures will be funded through existing Generalitat resources, though additional budgeting may be considered if needed.

Primary sources: Generalitat de Catalunya. Departament de Salut, scientiasalut.gencat.cat, Departament de Salut, eb.gencat.cat. Reported by Europa Press, larazon.es, 20minutos.es, lavanguardia.com, en.ara.cat, rtve.es, es.ara.cat, ara.cat, Europa Press Barcelona.