Goodbye to Carme Ollé, the doctor who fought for women's health

After a long period of courageous struggle against illness, Dr. Carme Ollé y Rodríguez, known as Carmeta to almost everyone, passed away a few days ago at the age of 72.

I met Dr. Ollé while pursuing her undergraduate studies at Sant Pau Hospital and volunteering to work on duty in the delivery room. Even then, one sensed her pursuit of excellence, perfectly combined with a close and empathetic approach to patients. Her classmates remember her as a prolific and active woman who placed great importance on human relationships. Committed to social and progressive activities from a Christian perspective, she was fun to be around. She was welcoming. Her home was always everyone's home. Always willing to help and be there, a companion and at the same time a great friend for life.

Her professional career has spanned all levels of care: hospital care, the delivery room, and primary care in complex settings. Throughout, she has left a trail of innovation in the way women's healthcare is conceived and delivered.

For many years, she has been a key contributor to the Department of Health in developing women's healthcare protocols. She has also worked with other public health organizations in contexts of vulnerability, such as HIV infection among women., prostitution, immigration, and the prevention of genital mutilation. She has conducted research to identify and improve our reception processes as a receiving society.

Without Dr. Ollé's knowledge, determination, and ability to inspire, Catalonia would not have been a pioneer in conceptualizing sexual and reproductive health care and the creation of programs and services, including public sector and round-the-clock access to the emergency contraception pill and male partner abortion techniques. She put this knowledge into practice during her last period in primary care in Raval, where she performed exceptionally well in managing complex environments with cultural and language barriers. She was especially careful in highlighting the subtle boundaries in this field between support during normal processes and care in cases of illness. Dr. Ollé's work was recognized with the Josep Trueta Medal for Healthcare Merit from the Department of Health and the Award from the Association for Sexual and Reproductive Rights.

Despite her intense professional activity, she was a lifeline for her entire family, especially during difficult times. She always showed great generosity in selflessly helping or advising anyone, even strangers, who asked her for advice. Even up until just a few days before her death.

What will make her unforgettable for those who had the privilege of working with her is her cheerful, stimulating, welcoming, and positive nature for everyone around her. Her absence cannot go unnoticed.