Almost 170 thousand users are registered at health centers in Portugal without having an assigned family doctor. This number represents a significant growth in the number of citizens without regular medical follow-up in the public health system.
The data indicate that there are already more than 160 thousand users affected by this situation, which raises concerns about access to primary healthcare. These users are registered at health centers but do not have a specific family doctor responsible for their follow-up.
The lack of family doctors particularly affects certain regions and demographics, creating inequalities in access to primary healthcare services. Without a family doctor, these patients may face difficulties in scheduling appointments and receiving continuity of care.
This problem arises in a context of difficulties in hiring and retaining family doctors in the National Health Service, with several health centers facing vacant positions and professionals opting for other forms of medical practice.
