The Catalan Health Department acknowledges the absences of the doctor in Sant Joan, but says that they have always been replaced, except on two occasions.

Saint JohnAuthorized sources of Primary Care from the Ministry of Health consulted by All Plans They have responded to complaints about the shortcomings of the Sant Joan Basic Health Unit, which have prompted the town council to launch a petition among residents to be sent to the Ministry of Health. Regarding the absence of a doctor, the main problem cited in the petition, Primary Care has acknowledged that a series of circumstances resulted in the center being without a doctor for two non-consecutive days. They also point out that the Basic Health Unit belongs to the Vilafranca PAC (Primary Care Center), where 24-hour care is available.

In this regard, they explain that the problem in Sant Joan stems from the fact that the doctor who holds the position at the Sant Joan Primary Care Unit (UBS), which opened just over a year ago, is a union representative, thus having days off each month to carry out his union duties. Furthermore, he is also on the list to do on-call shifts at other centers on the island, so he must subsequently take the corresponding days off. Adding to these two issues is the fact that the doctor has been on sick leave since December 24th. They explain that all these situations have led to the doctor's repeated absences, but that all cases are justified and fall within the normal operating procedures of the health service. They point out that, despite the absences, the doctor has been replaced every day he has been absent, except on two occasions when a substitute could not be found.

They add that, except for the two days mentioned when there was no doctor, care has been provided the rest of the time. However, they acknowledge the inconvenience this can cause, especially for the elderly, not always having the same doctor. "We understand that it's important to be seen by your trusted doctor, but if the doctor can't be there, we coordinate in the best way possible so that everyone is satisfied."

They report that the doctor's justified absence may also have caused delays in appointments if the patient didn't want to be seen by the substitute doctor and wanted to wait for the regular doctor.

Regarding the problem of the substitute doctor not having the keys to open the center, they acknowledge that "it happened during November, but it was resolved quickly." Primary Care reports that it has no record of any written complaints or claims regarding inappropriate treatment of patients by some professionals. It also reports that the Sant Joan Primary Care Unit has adequate staffing for the number of health cards assigned to it.