Portugal medical groups warn of physician shortages and potential exodus

Medical organizations in Portugal are warning of significant challenges regarding the retention and stability of the country's healthcare workforce. The Ordem dos Médicos (OM) has released a study identifying 11 specific regions with low physician density, including the Azores, Madeira, Beja, and Évora. To address these shortages, the OM proposes structural solutions rather than temporary measures, such as municipal partnerships to provide affordable housing, tax benefits, and professional integration support for spouses.

Simultaneously, the Associação dos Médicos Prestadores de Serviço (AMPS) has warned of a potential “massive exodus” of doctors if the Ministry of Health proceeds with plans to reduce hourly rates for service providers. AMPS president Nuno Sousa noted that the number of doctors working under this regime has doubled in ten years, now accounting for nearly 14% of the public service medical workforce. He cautioned that any reduction in the current average hourly rate of 35 euros could drive doctors to emigrate, directly impacting patient care and emergency services.