Baixo Alentejo and the Algarve have only one female hematologist to treat lymphomas and leukemias, denounced the Southern Zone Medical Union (SMZS-FNAM). This professional is assigned to the Barlavento Hospital in Portimão, but also travels to José Joaquim Fernandes Hospital in Beja to provide Hematology care across the entire Algarve and Baixo Alentejo region.
In total, the Alentejo and Algarve regions, which correspond to more than one third of Portugal's geographic area, have only two female hematologists in service, with the other one based in Évora. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the doctor covering the Algarve and Baixo Alentejo does not have an employment contract, working only under a service provision arrangement.
The union states that the workload overload and the lack of a team place the doctor under enormous and unsustainable pressure. Despite this not being a new situation and despite prior appeals and complaints, no effective measures have been taken, nor have shortage vacancies been opened in the 2025 and 2026 competitions, which would allow the hiring of doctors with special benefits.
For the SMZS-FNAM, the Government's inaction in improving the medical career and creating attractive conditions for the NHS are at the root of this critical situation. Hematology is the specialty dedicated to the study and treatment of blood diseases, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
