During a discussion at the 28th National Congress of the OM, held in Coimbra, Carlos Cortes highlighted a critical issue facing the National Health Service (SNS): the shortage of doctors in hospitals, emergency services, and health centers. He emphasized the urgent need for the Ministry of Health to enhance the appeal of working within the SNS, particularly for medical professionals.
Addressing journalists, Cortes expressed concern that no initiatives have been undertaken by the Ministry to reverse the trend of doctors moving away from the SNS. He noted that approximately 50% of positions for the specialty of general and family health remain vacant, with nearly 300 slots still unoccupied, illustrating the degree of disconnection within the SNS.
Cortes advocated for innovative strategies to attract medical professionals, not solely through competitive remuneration, but also by implementing a comprehensive package of 25 measures drafted by the OM for the Ministry. Despite presenting these recommendations, no significant progress has been made.
In his opening remarks at the Congress themed “A Direction for Health,” the chairman reiterated that the SNS’s challenges stem from inadequate investment in system efficiency, essential structural reforms, and insufficient incentives to recruit necessary healthcare professionals.
He asserted that if the SNS employed the required number of doctors, many existing challenges could be mitigated. Cortes also addressed the pivotal role of medical careers within the SNS, which have been reduced to mostly a salary progression path. He called for a revitalization of these careers, emphasizing the need for a structured technical-scientific development over financial considerations to attract talent.
The chairman criticized the administration for persistently operating under a state of contingency, leading to suboptimal decision-making due to a lack of essential human resources. He argued that substituting medical staff with less specialized professions is not an ideal solution for maintaining quality patient care within the SNS.
Finally, Cortes urged the government to resolve the outdated OM statutes and medical act, highlighting that the issue would remain prominent on the agenda until addressed, reflecting on the government’s repeated promises over the years.
