Portuguese healthcare resource shortages

Portugal is experiencing significant strain on its healthcare resources, manifesting as both supply shortages and human resource deficits across different regions.

In the Algarve and Lisbon/Vale do Tejo regions, the Portuguese Federation of Benevolent Blood Donors (FEPODABES) has issued an alert regarding critical blood reserve levels. This shortage, driven by high consumption and declining donation trends, has placed pressure on the national hospital network. In Santarém, the District Hospital faces potential cancellations of scheduled surgeries and treatments due to these shortages.

In the Alentejo region, the crisis has shifted toward staffing and organizational issues. The Ordem dos Médicos reported a critical shortage of human resources in the Orthopedics Department at the Hospital do Espírito Santo de Évora (HESE), noting the department operates with only two doctors. Additionally, oncology patients and families in Alto Alentejo have petitioned for the resignation of the Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Alentejo (ULSAALE) leadership, citing a “manifest loss of confidence” following the reorganization of oncology services.