The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, confirmed the existence of a deficit of approximately 850 nurses in the Local Health Units (ULS) of the country. This shortage represents a significant challenge for the functioning of health services in Portugal.
Two-thirds of this need for professionals is concentrated in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region, which highlights the inequality in the distribution of nurses across the national territory. This region, being the most populous in the country, faces particularly intense pressure on its health services.
During her statements, Ana Paula Martins acknowledged the reality of this lack of nurses, but avoided committing to a concrete number of hires. The minister's position does not specify any deadline or specific target to resolve this situation, which may raise concerns among health professionals and the population.
The shortage of nurses in ULS raises questions about the quality of healthcare provided and about the working conditions of existing professionals, who may face overload due to the lack of colleagues.
