During a ceremony held at the Plenary Hall of the Honorable City Council of Almansa, Mr. Fernando Lamata Cotanda was recognized as an Honorary Citizen of the city. The event, attended by prominent authorities and representatives from various institutions, paid tribute to his tireless work in favor of the healthcare development in the region, especially his key role in the construction of the Almansa Regional Hospital.
A recognition of a career of healthcare commitment
Mr. Fernando Lamata Cotanda, son of Mr. Pedro Lamata Megías and Mrs. María Teresa Cotanda Albiol, has dedicated his professional life to public healthcare. With a degree in Medicine from the University of Valencia and a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Madrid, he has held significant positions such as Director General of Healthcare Planning for the Community of Madrid and Health Minister for the Government of Castilla-La Mancha.
His role was crucial in the historical advocacy for the construction of the Almansa Regional Hospital. During his tenure as Health Minister in 2000, he led negotiations with the Spanish Government to transfer healthcare responsibilities to the Castilla-La Mancha Autonomous Community, including funding for the construction of this hospital. His commitment and determination led to the official bidding of the project on November 13, 2001, culminating in the hospital’s inauguration on February 23, 2007, and the start of its operations on March 1 of the same year.
Among the attendees were notable figures such as the Vice Minister of Strategic Planning, Mr. José Antonio Carrillo Morente, and members of the Almansa Pro-Hospital Coordinator, who played a vital role in the fight for the hospital’s construction.
The event began with the reading of the resolution approved in the plenary session on November 4, 2024, granting this honor to Mr. Fernando Lamata Cotanda. Subsequently, the representative of the Pro-Hospital Coordinator, Mrs. Paquita López, and the delegate from the Health Department, Mrs. Juana García Vitoria, spoke.
In his speech, Mr. Fernando Lamata Cotanda expressed his gratitude for this recognition and recalled the key moments of the struggle for the hospital’s construction, highlighting the efforts of the people of Almansa and the importance of public healthcare. «This hospital is a symbol of a community’s unity in defense of their healthcare rights and a testament to the fact that when society unites for a common goal, great things can be achieved,» he said emotionally.
Following his words, the Mayor of Almansa presented him with the framed title of Honorary Citizen of the town and a municipal badge in recognition of his legacy and contribution to the community. Pilar Callado García concluded the event with a heartfelt speech highlighting the indelible mark that Mr. Fernando Lamata leaves in Almansa and his impact on improving the quality of life for its residents.
With this distinction, Almansa acknowledges the dedication and effort of a man whose work has been essential for the consolidation of its healthcare system and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.