FNAM Advocates for Public Health in Alentejo and Algarve Based on Regional Needs

The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) unites the Northern, Central, and Southern Medical Unions to defend the rights and interests of physicians and the National Health Service (SNS). Despite being in management mode, the Ministry of Health, led by Ana Paula Martins, is attempting to reorganize the Public Health map in a way that violates the law and limits access to healthcare for the population.

The proposal to reduce the five regional health delegations (North, Center, Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Alentejo, Algarve) to three (North, Center, South) is a serious attack on the decentralized organization of healthcare in Portugal. This move would exacerbate existing inequalities in the southern regions, particularly affecting Alentejo and Algarve.

The attempt to merge the health structures of Alentejo and Algarve into a "Southern Regional Delegation" alongside the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region violates the Decree-Law No. 54/2024. This proposal disregards the unique needs of these regions, which require autonomy to respond effectively to their specific realities. It will worsen the disparities in healthcare services and perpetuate inadequate access for local populations.

Both Alentejo and Algarve are experiencing an extreme shortage of healthcare professionals, limiting access to specialized services and facing geographical dispersion and seasonality issues. These regions cannot be treated merely as extensions of the capital or summer destinations; their populations deserve respect and public health services that meet their needs.

The FNAM demands adherence to the law and the Statute of the National Health Service (SNS) by maintaining Regional Health Delegations. This ensures that Alentejo and Algarve retain their own structures and that decisions regarding public health are made by those who truly understand local needs, fully respecting their regional autonomy.