Healthcare updates: New radiotherapy in Brazil and service suspensions in Portugal

In Brazil, the Hospital Regional Dr. Leopoldo Bevilacqua in Vale do Ribeira (SP) has installed a new linear accelerator to provide radiotherapy services locally. This federal investment of R$ 14.29 million, part of the 'Agora Tem Especialistas' program, aims to reduce the need for cancer patients across 15 municipalities to travel long distances for treatment. Services are expected to begin later this year.

In Portugal, the Bloco de Esquerda party has called for the reopening of radiotherapy services in Évora following a suspension that began on June 1. The suspension, initially intended for equipment replacement involving a four-million-euro investment, has forced hundreds of patients to travel to Faro, Santarém, or Lisbon. The party has raised concerns regarding the management of the service concession and the uncertainty facing technical staff.