The PSOE denounces the paralyzation of the Infant and Juvenile Mental Health Unit of Ibiza due to lack of staff and criticizes a 33% cut in the budget for mental health in the Balearic Islands for 2025. Socialist MP Irantzu Fernandez has publicly denounced the situation of the Children and Youth Mental Health Unit (USMIJ) of Ibiza, located in the Health Center of Vila, pointing out that the service is paralyzed due to lack of staff. According to Fernandez, two psychologists stopped practicing, one due to maternity leave and the other due to transfer, without their positions having been filled, leaving minors without treatment. “It is unacceptable that at a time when mental health is more of a concern than ever, the only service of its kind on the island is being dismantled,” said Fernandez, who also recalled that the adolescent suicide prevention program has been without a psychologist for more than a year.
Budget reduction and criticism of the Govern
The PSOE has warned that the budget of the General Directorate of Mental Health will be reduced by 33%, from 3.9 million to 2.6 million euros, a measure they consider “unacceptable”. Fernandez insisted that these cuts “further aggravate existing deficiencies” and directly affect programs that should be a priority for citizens. The complaint comes while the Govern is processing the 2025 budgets in Parliament, with criticism of the lack of attention to the demands of families, users and professionals who have been warning about this situation for months.
Urgent solutions requested
The PSOE has asked the Govern to reinforce mental health services in Ibiza and Formentera and to immediately fill vacant positions. In addition, they request that budget cuts be reversed in an area they consider crucial for the welfare of minors.
