Andalucía is set to undergo a digital healthcare revolution with the launch of the Virtual Health Card, a new tool designed to transform how citizens interact with the regional health service (SAS).

The digital card, which was officially launched on 26 March by Antonio Mingorance and the Andalusian Council of Pharmacies’ Antonio Sanz today, will be available to smartphones and tablets.

“Today, Andalucía takes a giant leap forward and once again becomes a pioneer in Spain,” Sanz stated during the presentation at a local pharmacy in Seville.

The virtual card will be accessible through the Salud Andalucía and ClicSalud+ apps. It has a QR code with high security that can be used to identify patients at any pharmacy or healthcare centre in the region.

Parents will be able store digital health cards of their children on their devices. This is one of the most useful updates. Although the physical card remains valid and is compatible, the minister referred to the digital version as a “master key”.

The initiative is part of a broader €316 million Digital Health Strategy 2030. By automating bureaucratic processes, the government wants to reduce the “paperwork load” on doctors and nurses so they can spend more time with patients.

The government will provide digital training through its network of 760 centres “Puntos Vuela”.

Sanz concluded by highlighting that Andalucía is already integrating cutting-edge technology, such as Artificial Intelligence for breast cancer screening and advanced Gamma Knife surgery. He stated that “the healthcare of the future is going to be increasingly digital and connected, with a focus on people’s requirements.”