Interview with Carlos Rus, President of the Spanish Association of Private Hospitals (ASPE)
What are the reasons behind ASPE’s decision to organise this year’s European Private Hospitals Award on 29 October in Madrid?
For ASPE, taking on the organisation of this edition of the European Private Hospitals Awards is a natural step in our commitment to the visibility and recognition of the sector.
Spain has one of the most robust private healthcare systems in Europe, both in terms of volume and quality, and hosting this international event is a way of showcasing that strength and positioning our country as a benchmark.
We want these awards to be a showcase for the innovation, excellence in care and management capacity that characterises European private hospitals and, at the same time, a space for meeting and dialogue between professionals, institutions and patients.
Why is it so important to highlight the specific characteristics and excellence of the European private healthcare sector?
Because the private sector is an essential part of the European healthcare system, although it is often not recognised as much as the public healthcare system.
The excellence of European private hospitals is reflected in constant innovation, agility in incorporating new technologies and treatments, and the ability to respond to patients’ needs with efficiency and quality.
Highlighting these characteristics is essential to break stereotypes, show realities and demonstrate that collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to the sustainability of the entire healthcare system in Europe.
These awards are, in short, a recognition of the role we play in the present and, above all, in the future of healthcare.
How important is the Spanish private healthcare sector in the country’s healthcare system?
The Spanish private healthcare sector is fundamental to the health of our country.
It accounts for more than 50% of hospital activity, with more than 450 private hospitals and a healthcare capacity that significantly complements and reinforces the public network.
But its importance is not only quantitative, but also qualitative: we are talking about highly specialised centres, with top-level professionals and a clear commitment to technological innovation.
In addition, private healthcare helps to relieve pressure on the public system, guarantee freedom of choice for patients and generate a significant economic and social impact.
In short, the private sector is not merely a secondary player, but an essential pillar of the Spanish healthcare system.
Learn more about the European Private Hospitals Awards 2025
Award Ceremony: 29 October 2025 | CaixaForum, Madrid
About ASPE
The Spanish Private Healthcare Alliance (ASPE) brings together over 850 organizations and 1,500 healthcare facilities — including hospitals, clinics, specialized centres, and laboratories — representing more than 80% of the private healthcare sector in Spain. ASPE is committed to defending the interests of private healthcare, strengthening public-private collaboration, and driving innovation, quality, and sustainability across the healthcare system.
