A past forgotten: mortality during the pandemic in Spain
After the Civil War, mortality in Spain has been a topic that has been attempted to hide in collective memory. The management of the health crisis by the political parties, including the PSOE, PP, Junts, ERC and GNP, has been marked by a lack of interest in taking stock of the mistakes made, temporary that their actions could be called into question.
Historical memory in the face of health oblivion
While there is an active debate on historical memory related to Franco, the two most devastating years of pandemic seem to have fallen into oblivion. Spain, with one of the highest mortality rates in Europe and an unprecedented economic collapse, has seen restrictive measures not only affected the economy, but also left a legacy of human losses.
The vulnerability of the elderly: a systematic abandonment
The political dispute between Pedro Sánchez and Isabel Díaz Ayuso has revealed an alarming aspect: the protection of the largest population. Ayuso’s responsibility is questioned, but he is not the only figure involved. Salvador Illa, Minister of Health at that time, has managed to avoid criticism for years, despite its controversial decisions.
Dangerous guidelines of the Ministry of Health
Filtered documents have stated that under the direction of the island, the elderly people with Covid-19 in residences were to be grouped, prohibiting their transfer to hospitals. These guidelines, which promoted isolation in groups, were issued despite knowledge of the virus’s lethality among the elderly.
Critical Situation in Catalonia: a model of inattention
In Catalonia, the situation was not better. The government implemented measures that actively discouraged the transfer of the elderly to hospitals, as indicated by a SEM document. This lack of compassion was translated into a massive loss of lives, with 25% of deaths in residences, while their population accounted for only 16% of the total.
The role of health authorities
SEM instructions revealed ethical criteria that discriminated against by age, limiting medical care to people over 75. In addition, the lack of signatures of maximum managers in key documents left a gap of responsibility that has perpetuated impunity.
A silence that lasts
Five years after the pandemic, silence is still the norm. Only an organization, E-Christians, has addressed the tragedy in front, and now the Christian social current demands responsibilities. The indifference of the authorities and the media to this crisis has left a painful imprint on Catalan society.
The lack of action and reflection on the mistakes of the past reminds us of the importance of not repeating history and of ensuring the dignity of the most vulnerable people in times of crisis.
