ABSTRACT
Spain's global health indicators are among the best in the European Union. This chapter describes the main health problems of the Spanish population, the basic characteristics of the health system and the role of public health services. After an overview of policy and priority setting, it considers some specific issues about prevention and health promotion activities. Health policy responsibilities are divided between the National Health Service and Autonomous Communities' authorities. Municipal authorities play a secondary role, falling under the Autonomous Communities' authority with the exception of Barcelona, Madrid and some other large cities. The current health system in Spain evolved from the historical development of the Social Security system since 1944, and the reforms introduced by the Health Act in 1986. Social Security is under the Ministry of Labour and besides health spending it determines retirement pensions and unemployment benefits.
