Last week, a letter by professionals from community palliative care support teams (ECSCP) highlighted the departure of doctors and nurses due to working conditions that are “inferior to those in other primary health care units.”
The document, addressed to the Prime Minister and Health Minister, states that these departures occur because ECSCPs have not been recognized as functional units, preventing the establishment of contracts and incentives for team members.
In a response sent today, the DE-SNS clarified that “currently, there is no ongoing recognition process for proximity health care teams as Functional Units” within primary health care.
The entity, led by Álvaro Almeida, which manages the network of units within the National Health Service, emphasized its support for “the appreciation of all health professionals” and, within its competencies, “monitors all measures” in this regard, “in alignment with policies defined by competent authorities.”
The letter’s signatories argue that the “issue goes beyond remuneration, affecting the appreciation and stability of these professionals,” expressing regret that the government has taken steps to value and incentivize health professionals but has not included ECSCPs.
This has resulted in a “very significant pay asymmetry” between professionals in these teams and their colleagues in Family Health Units, the letter states.
Also last week, the National Federation of Doctors (Fnam) warned about the lack of recognition for home palliative care teams, claiming they face undignified work conditions and inequality compared to other health professionals.
The ECSCPs are multidisciplinary teams providing specialized palliative care at home for patients with severe, incurable, and progressive diseases, as well as offering support and counseling to families and caregivers.
