Doctors of the World identifies almost 700 barriers to accessing healthcare in 2025, most of them administrative and informational.

PalmDoctors of the World has recorded a total of 695 barriers to accessing healthcare in the Balearic Islands throughout 2025, of which 304 were administrative, 244 related to information, 65 cultural, 52 economic, and 30 physical. This Friday, the organization held a conference entitled "Universal Healthcare? Barriers to Accessing Public Healthcare in the Balearic Islands" at the University of the Balearic Islands, where it presented this data. In a press release, Doctors of the World warned about the difficulties that "still prevent full access" to public healthcare in the islands, especially for "migrants and other vulnerable groups." In fact, they emphasized that although the right to health is recognized as universal, reality shows that "many vulnerable people encounter obstacles that prevent them from receiving healthcare on equal terms." In this regard, they emphasized that these barriers "are not merely isolated difficulties," but rather "structural problems" that particularly affect "migrants, the elderly, and socially vulnerable groups." Access barriers manifest themselves in various ways. First, there are administrative barriers, stemming from legal and administrative requirements, such as the requirement of registration and residency exceeding three months. "This excludes those who cannot meet these conditions, forcing them to live in informal rentals, substandard housing, or even become homeless. This situation is exacerbated in cases of particular vulnerability, such as minors and pregnant women, who should have guaranteed access to healthcare without restrictions," they stated. Added to this is the "bureaucratization of the right," which requires additional procedures for foreign nationals, thus "unjustifiably delaying access." Economic barriers are another determining factor, given that many people suffer from pharmaceutical poverty, as they cannot afford medications, face 40% co-payments, or pay emergency room bills, creating a deterrent effect and jeopardizing their health. This is compounded by hidden costs such as transportation or uncovered medical supplies. Physical barriers also exist, such as a lack of nearby healthcare facilities, restricted opening hours, and architectural obstacles that prevent access for people with reduced mobility. These limitations particularly affect those who work in precarious conditions, unable to take time off for medical appointments. Furthermore, informational barriers reflect a lack of clear information about rights and procedures, with an absence of interpretation services and misinformation among administrative staff, who sometimes demand unforeseen requirements or unjustifiably deny access. This situation would be exacerbated by "racist behavior" and "verbal violence" towards migrants and racialized people.