- The Federación Española de Empresas de Tecnología Sanitaria, Fenin, is presenting updated industry data during a meeting with the media in Toledo, where discussions also focused on the advancement of digital health.
- Every euro spent by the industry on its activity generates an additional 1.27 euros for the country, reinforcing its position as a driver of wealth and progress for society.
- The companies generate more than 54,000 direct jobs (with 96% on permanent contracts and 46% female employment) and allocate an average of 60,000 euros annually per employee (102% more than the national industrial average).
The Healthcare Technology sector is known for improving the health and quality of life of people, but it also contributes a direct added value of 5.100 million euros to the Spanish economy, in addition to another 6.400 million euros in indirect added value, totaling 11.600 million euros. Specifically, every euro spent by this industry on its activity generates an additional 1.27 euros for the country. Its influence as an economic engine and a driver of progress for society is also determined by the positive figures this industry shows in terms of turnover (exceeding 12.000 million euros annually and 5.000 million euros in exports), employability, and investment in R+D+i.
These data were presented by Pablo Crespo, Secretary General of the Federación Española de Empresas de Tecnología Sanitaria, Fenin, during the 2025 Journalists’ Seminar organized on September 23 and 24 in Toledo, which featured the participation of the Regional Minister of Health of Castilla-La Mancha, Jesús Fernández Sanz, on its second day. This meeting served to present an updated “snapshot” of the sector and to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of this industry, with a special focus on the progress of digital health.
Jesús Fernández Sanz detailed the technological transformation process undertaken in the health system of Castilla-La Mancha. “After 10 years of government, we have invested more than 500 million euros in healthcare technology. With this investment, we have renewed all CT scanners, installed MRI equipment in all hospitals in Castilla-La Mancha, carried out the renewal of ultrasound machines and seven Hemodynamics rooms, and we are going to launch Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy services in the five provinces,” he listed. Thus, he recalled that while in 2015 this community showed the highest technological obsolescence in the national comparison, “currently, and after a great effort by the Government of Emiliano García-Page, Castilla-La Mancha and its citizens are in the position they deserve.”
Leading sector in quality employment and innovation
In the national analysis, the Healthcare Technology industry positions itself as a benchmark sector in the generation of quality, stable employment, and its commitment to female talent. The companies in the sector collectively generate more than 54,000 direct jobs (and nearly 85,000 indirect or induced jobs), of which 96 percent are permanent and 46% are female employment. In terms of investment in human capital, companies allocate an average of 60,000 euros per employee per year, 102% more than the national industrial average (29.766 euros).
Other data presented by Pablo Crespo to the media also confirm the sector’s leadership in innovation, with a direct annual investment in Spain of 264 million euros in R+D+i and 163 new healthcare technology patents in Europe of Spanish origin. This figure represents a 14% increase in patent registrations in the last financial year, ranking second in the national ranking of patent registrations by sectors of activity.
“The main purpose of our sector is to improve the health and quality of life of people and contribute to the efficiency of the healthcare system through technological innovation. But beyond the direct impact on Healthcare, the investment and employability data provide a complete view of the relevance our companies have for the advancement of the country and society,” Pablo Crespo assessed during the meeting with the media.
Digital health and safe use of AI in Healthcare
In addition to the presentation of updated sector data, the Journalists’ Seminar served as a meeting point to share and analyze current affairs and challenges of the Healthcare Technology industry with the media.
For example, representatives from Fenin, from the Regional Ministry of Health of Castilla-La Mancha, and attending journalists exchanged reflections and success stories regarding the advancement of digital health. Specifically, the use of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in clinical practice. “AI has great potential to transform Healthcare, optimize the management of hospitals and health centers, and solve system challenges such as the lack of professionals and its sustainability. There are already many healthcare technologies developed by our industry that incorporate AI, with a special prominence in medical imaging, robotics, and pathological anatomy, which are facilitating more precise diagnoses and more accurate and personalized treatments,” noted the Secretary General of Fenin.
In this regard, Crespo recalled that “the appetite for implementing AI cannot compromise patient safety; AI must be incorporated with all guarantees and, for this, healthcare regulation must be met,” and he emphasized the importance of the medical device CE marking for all software or medical devices incorporating AI used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. “The medical device CE marking certifies that the manufacturer has evaluated the product and meets the safety, quality, and efficacy requirements demanded in health legislation,” he stated. On behalf of the Regional Ministry of Health of Castilla-La Mancha, Alfonso Barragán, senior IT technician from Sescam, corroborated the importance of this regulation to ensure the “success” of using AI in clinical practice.
Visit to the Hospital de Parapléjicos de Toledo
Also linked to the application of new cutting-edge technologies in healthcare, a visit to the Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos de Toledo, which recently commemorated its 50th anniversary, was held within the framework of this seminar.
During the visit, journalists were able to learn about the center’s operation and the importance of healthcare technology in patient recovery. Among other matters, it is a reference healthcare center for its innovative equipment in robotic rehabilitation, exoskeletons, and biomechanics. “At the Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, innovation and the incorporation of new technologies constitute a fundamental axis in both the clinical-rehabilitative field and in research. The application of advanced technological solutions allows for the optimization of rehabilitation processes, the personalization of treatments, and the improvement of the experience and quality of life of patients, guaranteeing cutting-edge care that integrates science, care, and humanization,” points out its managing director, Mónica Alcobendas.
In 2024, the Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos treated a total of 238 new patients with spinal cord injuries, in addition to 1,300 comprehensive check-ups for adults and 800 procedures in the pediatric day hospital.