Castro Verde completes new medical post amid healthcare staffing concerns

The municipality of Castro Verde has completed construction of a new medical post in Casével. The project, which cost over 259,000 euros, was funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). The new facility includes a medical office, a nursing office, a waiting area, a reception space, and restrooms. The next phase involves the acquisition and installation of furniture and medical equipment.

Despite this infrastructure improvement, local authorities expressed deep concern regarding potential medical staff shortages in the region. Four local parish councils warned that new legislation regulating the hiring of freelance doctors could lead to the loss of two family doctors in the municipality. This shift could potentially result in 16 foreign clinicians leaving the 13 health centers in the region by the end of the year, placing increased pressure on primary care and local emergency services.