Following a meeting with Minister Ana Paula Martins, described as “extremely cordial and pleasant,” Nuno Figueiredo e Sousa expressed solidarity with the doctors of the Local Health Unit of Castelo Branco. The unit has notified outsourced doctors that their full payments will not be covered this month, reportedly due to cash flow issues.
The representative of the external doctors in public hospitals hopes for a swift resolution to the situation in Castelo Branco.
“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Castelo Branco. It’s unfortunate this is happening at this time, but we believe it will be resolved together with the Ministry of Health,” said the representative of the outsourced doctors.
Discussing the meeting, the official stated that both the administration and the outsourced doctors share the goal of “ensuring the quality of emergency services and services provided to Portuguese citizens.”
Regarding the critical points for the outsourced doctors, Nuno Figueiredo e Sousa emphasized the “quality of health services provided to the Portuguese.”
The association’s president mentioned that outsourced doctors are still unaware of the specific details in the legislative document the Government is preparing to regulate medical service provision.
“A general overview of the decree-law was given, we shared our concerns, and the ministry’s representatives shared theirs. However, no one knows the specifics,” said Nuno Figueiredo e Sousa, noting that establishing a connection with the National Health Service (SNS) “is a path that should be pursued.”
He highlighted the Emergency and Urgent Medicine specialty, indicating the numbers show that “a career in emergency service is not very appealing.” According to Nuno Figueiredo e Sousa, of the 31 available positions, only eight have been filled.
“We must understand how to create a mechanism attractive to newcomers in the specialty and those who’ve been handling emergencies for years, ensuring the best practice in this profession niche (…). This isn’t about hourly payments; it involves training, career progression, and knowledge to provide better service,” he added.
“Now we will work on the ground. It was discussed generally, but we must move to specifics and determine point by point how to approach this successfully,” he declared.
He further stated that the hourly rate for these professionals “was not discussed at the meeting.” Regarding the Government’s proposed restriction, which would prevent those leaving the SNS from working as service providers for three years, he mentioned assurances that “various situations are being addressed in this context. It’s not a closed matter.”
