In 1530, during the colonial period, the Hospital of San Martín was founded in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Canary Islands. This hospital was one of the first healthcare facilities in the archipelago, reflecting the growing need for medical infrastructure due to the increasing population and economic expansion under Spanish rule. The hospital's foundation was driven by the Spanish Crown and the Church, aiming to consolidate their presence and address the needs of both settlers and natives. The Hospital of San Martín not only provided medical care but also became a social assistance center, sheltering the poor and sick. Its establishment symbolizes the beginning of a more organized healthcare system in the Canary Islands, highlighting the importance of public health in the development of colonial society.