⚠️ PrEP ACCESS CONTEXT: Madrid has responded to the national PrEP access crisis better than most regions by expanding from one to three Sandoval centers since late 2024. This has improved capacity, but demand still outstrips supply. If you are trying to get on PrEP in Madrid, the Sandoval network and Apoyo Positivo are your fastest routes in. If waitlists are still too long, see > The Online Ordering Gray Area for interim options.

While Barcelona has the flashy BCN Checkpoint, Madrid has the Sandoval network — now spanning three locations.

Centro Sanitario Sandoval (The Original)

  • Location: Calle de Sandoval, 7 (Near San Bernardo / Bilbao metro).
  • Role: The historic epicenter of sexual health in Madrid. Operational since 1927.
  • Cost: Free (Public).
  • Access:
    • Historically operated on a "take a number" basis, but now heavily appointment-based via the Madrid Health system (Cita Sanitaria).
    • PrEP: One of the main prescribers for the Madrid region.

Sandoval II (Sandoval Sur)

  • Opened: November 2024.
  • Focus: STI detection and treatment, PrEP and PEP services.
  • Volume: Exceeded 3,600 care visits in its first three months of operation.
  • Why it matters: Reduces the burden on the original Sandoval center and shortens wait times.

Sandoval III (Alcorcón)

  • Opened: February 2025.
  • Location: Alcorcón (south-west Madrid metropolitan area).
  • Why it matters: Expands access beyond the city center. If you live in the southern suburbs, this is closer than trekking to San Bernardo.

Pink (Apoyo Positivo)

  • Who: NGO offering rapid testing and counseling.
  • Vibe: More community-focused than Sandoval. Good if you are scared of the "Hospital" vibe.
  • Services: Rapid HIV/Syphilis/Hep C testing.

The "Cita Previa" Struggle

In Madrid, getting an appointment via the app (Tarjeta Sanitaria App) can be a nightmare — and given the national PrEP access crisis, slots for sexual health services are under extreme pressure.

  • Tip: Check for appointments at 8:00 AM when new slots are released. Be persistent — check daily.
  • Walk-in: Sandoval locations sometimes accept walk-ins for symptomatic cases or emergencies, but be prepared to wait 3+ hours.
  • The expansion helps: With three Sandoval locations now active, appointment availability has improved — but demand remains high.
  • If you can't get a PrEP appointment: Contact Apoyo Positivo — they can sometimes help advocate for faster enrollment. Also consider > online ordering as a bridge while you wait. Every month on a waitlist is a month of unprotected exposure.

Summary

In Madrid, the Sandoval network is the institution. Three locations now cover the city and suburbs. For a friendlier, faster check, try the NGOs like Apoyo Positivo.

Related: