In sickness and health

THIRTEEN million euros. This is what the local ministry for health spent last year on foreign tourists who fall ill when they are on holiday. There has been some controversy in the media about this figure which I find quite amazing. Thirteen million is just a drop in the ocean when you compare it to the amount of money spent by holidaymakers on the island. At the end of the day it is the principal local industry with tourists spending billions every year. So there should be no criticism. Let us also remember that it is money from the European Union which has helped build the fantastic hospitals on the island. I just sometimes get the impression that some people in Majorca these days appear to have forgotten that this island wouldn´t have a future if it wasn´t visited by tourists. Surely 13 million euros is a small price to pay. I don´t really understand why the local health authorities even bother to keep a record of how much money is spent on tourists. Tourists, especially if they come from European Union states, are entitled to free medical care. Spanish tourists in Britain, France or Germany or elsewhere within the European Union can expect similar treatment. It is all part of the European Union. So, this criticism is just rather unnecessary and in some ways it is rather sad. Tourism is the lifeblood of this island and the local authorities should ensure that they are catered for in sickness and in health.