Marbella's Costa del Sol Hospital has been rated as the best in the country.

Marbella’s Costa del Sol Hospital has been rated as the best in the country.

Healthcare standards in Spain are among the best in Europe. Insurance coverage is affordable and generous, doctors are thorough and plentiful, and hospitals are almost unfailingly clean, modern and accessible…

So it is some accolade indeed to rank as the best of the best when it comes to healthcare centres in Spain, but that is exactly how the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella has been rated.

Beating off tough competition from 135 hospitals across the entire country, the Costa del Sol hospital won the award in the “Best Hospital” category overall, handed out by the Spanish government.

The 400-bed public health centre was recognised for its premium service across almost all sectors, prompting Andalusian Health Minister Marina Álvarez to applaud the hard work of the health professionals who work at the hospital, which is conveniently located on the shoulder of Marbella.

“These staff have shown through their commitment to our services that everyone is entitled to universal and equal healthcare,” Álvarez said.

Now in their 12th year, the awards seek to recognise the achievements of Spain’s healthcare service and to drive standards higher through gentle competition.

Córdoba’s Reina Sofía Hospital – also in Andalucía – received the gong for Best Infectious Disease Service – while recently Andalucía’s government learned that it is to receive a cash injection of €9 billion from Madrid towards its health service – the largest financial support ever received by the region.