I was deeply saddened to receive the news of the death of my great friend and colleague Rafael Calvo García, a dedicated physician who was committed to his medical practice, a tireless defender of health in the prison setting, and a staunch proponent of the much-criticised integration of prison health into the regional health services.

Rafael was an excellent colleague and an exceptional physician, whose commitment to the profession went beyond conventional barriers.

His work as secretary of the first governing board of the Spanish Society of Prison Health and his perseverance, expressed in so many hours of determined effort, bore fruit with the approval of the articles of the society, which led to its creation. In fact, he had the honour and privilege of being its first official member.

He also participated as a member of the editorial committee of the Spanish Journal of Prison Health, making significant contributions to the academic excellence that is our watchword, and marking out the way for future generations.

At the end of his professional career, he served with distinction as the director of the Hospital de La Magdalena in Castellón de la Plana, the adopted city of a professional who was deeply proud of his Aragonese roots, leaving an indelible mark on the institution and the community that he served with so much dedication.

His passing, after a long and brave struggle with illness, has left a void that will not be easily filled. However, I will always remember Rafael for his courage, his unswerving ethical commitment and exceptional humanity.

At this painful moment, I would like to express my sincerest condolences to his partner Azucena, his daughter Alicia, other family members and his friends and colleagues.

I hope that Rafael’s legacy will inspire us to carry on seeking medical excellence and to defend the concept of health for all, regardless of the context.

Rest in peace, dear friend and colleague. Your legacy will live on in our hearts and minds as we continue with the work that you so deeply loved.