The Southern Zone Medical Union (SMZS-FNAM) reported that only one female haematologist provides the service in the Algarve and Baixo Alentejo, working on a service provision basis without an employment contract and subject to overload. The union also criticised the absence of disadvantaged vacancies for Haematology in the 2025 and 2026 recruitment competitions, which are intended for areas with greater recruitment difficulties.
ULS Algarve responded through its president, describing the union's statement as "absolutely false". According to the official, there are four haematologists on a service provision basis in the region, one of whom is currently absent due to pregnancy. The president clarified that vacancies for medical recruitment competitions are decided centrally, not by the ULS.
In July, the Government opened two Haematology vacancies for the Algarve, none classified as disadvantaged. Two female doctors providing services applied for these vacancies, which may allow their binding to the service shortly. ULS Algarve also requested from the Ministry of Health the transfer of two disadvantaged vacancies from other specialties to Haematology.
ULS Baixo Alentejo confirmed that Beja hospital has only the haematologist coming from the Algarve and is negotiating more consultation hours. ULS Alentejo Central clarified that Évora hospital does not depend on only one specialist, having implemented since March 2026 a complementary solution with three haematologists who travel to the unit twice a month.
