Orihuela Town Hall has taken the unusual step of announcing the services that will be available in the long-awaited second health centre for Orihuela Costa, despite currently lacking the authority or funding to construct it. During a visit to the site on Thursday, 14 August, councillors for health, town planning, and the coast unveiled the health services planned, highlighting crucial areas such as family medicine, nursing, paediatrics, and women’s health.

The health councillor, Irene Celdrán, emphasised that the centre is absolutely necessary, stating it would be one of the most complete and modern facilities in the region, designed to meet the needs of the local population now and in the future. She assured that the location near the border with Torrevieja will provide closer and more efficient healthcare services, including specialised medical services and twenty-four-hour emergency consultations for residents and the influx of holidaymakers.

Despite the optimistic announcements, there are concerns regarding the local council’s ability to manage the project adequately. A spokesperson from the residents’ association, Unidos por la Costa, expressed doubts about the town hall’s efficiency, reflecting on previous instances of administrative delays. They questioned the decision to forgo expanding the existing health centre, given the urgent demand for healthcare services in the area, particularly during the peak holiday season when the resident population swells significantly.

The sole existing health centre in Aguamarina, Cabo Roig, has been deemed inadequate to serve the growing needs of both residents and tourists in Orihuela Costa. Although plans were laid by the previous regional government to expand this facility, the current local council rejected those plans, asserting that only the construction of a new centre would suffice. However, it remains unclear how soon the necessary steps for its construction can be completed, as the processes required typically span several years.