At the commencement of the second final evaluation season of medical internship, the need for a prompt and transparent publication of available positions that align with the real needs of Local Health Units (ULS) is paramount, stated the union in a release.
The SIM argues that the upcoming competition must include positions that address “all the needs” of the ULS, Portuguese oncology institutes, and other entities within the health sector, National Defense, and Justice, rather than just a portion of them.
The union further highlighted the necessity to create predictable conditions that can bolster the National Health Service (SNS), retain doctors, and enhance the appeal of the career path.
In this regard, it also advocated for the timely opening of the consultant competition, aiming for greater efficiency in candidate list preparations and jury appointments, unlike the 2023 competition where juries were only appointed recently, allowing them to begin their work late.
Moreover, the urgent publication of the notice for the opening of 350 senior assistant positions, the pinnacle of the medical career, is deemed “essential to mitigate the severe shortage of professionals affecting the SNS.”
At the end of 2024, following an agreement with the SIM, the Ministry of Health announced the annual opening of 350 positions between 2025 and 2028 for senior assistant competitions.
At that time, the Government claimed that making these positions available would be important for ensuring sustainable career progression and allowing the SNS to maintain a training capacity for future specialists.
