The Minister of Health, Manel Balcells, presents a language training plan
The Minister of Health, Manel Balcells, yesterday presented a shock plan to ensure that 2,700 Catalan health professionals learn our language until November. This initiative aims to improve service to users in their language and avoid unfortunate incidents.
Need to improve the linguistic competence of health personnel
According to a study, three out of ten doctors practicing in Catalonia do not speak Catalan, which can affect the quality of health care. This is particularly relevant in a context where there has been an increase in user complaints about the lack of attention in Catalan and unfortunate incidents.
Challenges and current situation
The current situation reveals that there is more willingness among foreigners to learn Catalan than among local professionals. This is a reality both in private healthcare and in temporary staff hired in public healthcare.
Linguistic requirements and job stabilization
Professionals who wish to stabilize their employment situation must accredit level C of Catalan, which guarantees an adequate understanding of the language. This requirement arises as a response to staff reinforcements in recent years and the need to improve assistance.
Importance of linguistic attention in health care
Despite opinions that consider language as a secondary matter, it is clear that the quality of care in a consultation also depends on empathy and proximity to the patient, as well as the ability to communicate in the language that is most mastered. This is essential for those patients who wish to be treated in Catalan, especially when they use a public service.
Reinforcement of linguistic competence and willingness of professionals
It is necessary for both speakers and professionals to put more effort into strengthening linguistic competence. This involves using the language always and everywhere, as well as demonstrating a greater willingness than has been shown so far.
Concluded
In summary, the language training plan presented by the Minister of Health, Manel Balcells, represents an important step to improve health care in Catalonia. This initiative seeks to address current challenges and ensure that healthcare professionals can attend to users in their language, thus improving the quality of care.