In remarks made during a negotiation meeting with two unions representing teachers, Fernando Alexandre assured that “the Government is fully committed to ensuring the necessary budgetary resources for the operation of a course of this importance and financial demand.”
However, the minister pointed out, “it is crucial that the institution also meets the necessary conditions for this.” Currently, without a complete general council, “there is a serious institutional crisis.”
“I have ordered elections because, without them, the medical course will not be able to operate in 26/27,” Fernando Alexandre added.
For the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, this course “is a significant step in medical education” and is also a way to enhance the quality of health services in the region.
The Medicine course at UTAD was approved on Wednesday by the board of the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES).
The integrated master’s in Medicine, planned to be established in Vila Real, was accredited by A3ES for a conditional period of two years.
In remarks to Lusa on Wednesday, Carla Amaral, the vice-rector for Education and Quality, stated that this is “good news” for the academy and the Trás-os-Montes region and noted that UTAD “is highly committed” to opening the spots for the 2026/27 academic year.
The course, created in partnership with the Local Health Unit of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (ULSTMAD), is expected to train 40 students annually.
The curriculum focuses on small group teaching, clinical cases, and also aims to establish a simulation center.
For the implementation of this integrated master’s program, a transportation system has been prepared to connect the university and the ULS, which includes the hospitals of Vila Real, Chaves, and Lamego, as well as 23 health centers.
