The Southern Zone Doctors' Union (SMZS-FNAM) reported that only one hematologist doctor is ensuring the specialty's response in the Algarve and Baixo Alentejo, working on a service provision basis, without an employment contract, subject to unsustainable overload and pressure. According to the union, in the NUTS II regions of Alentejo and Algarve there are only two active hematologists, one in Évora and another working between Portimão and Beja, traveling to Portimão Hospital and José Joaquim Fernandes Hospital.
The Algarve Local Health Unit contested this version through its president Tiago Botelho, considering "absolutely false" the claim that there is only one hematologist in the region. Tiago Botelho indicated that there are four hematologists on a service provision basis, one of whom is currently absent due to pregnancy, highlighting that positions for medical competitions are decided centrally and not by the ULS.
In July, the Government opened two Hematology positions for the Algarve, none classified as disadvantaged. Two of the service provider doctors applied for these positions, which may allow their binding in the near future. ULS Algarve also asked the Ministry of Health that two disadvantaged positions in other specialties, expected to remain unfilled, be transferred to Hematology.
SMZS-FNAM announced it will report the situation to the Medical Association and the SNS Executive Directorate and request a meeting with the Board of Directors of ULS Algarve. ULSBA in Beja confirmed it only has the doctor coming from the Algarve and is negotiating more consultation hours, while also working on a protocol with IPO in Lisbon. ULSAC in Évora clarified that it has one hematologist and, since March, three doctors visiting twice a month from other institutions.
