Renal patients in Portugal are denouncing situations of discrimination in access to hemodialysis during the holiday period. Patients report that they cannot get appointments for hemodialysis sessions when they want to travel to certain regions of the country.
The situation specifically affects the regions of Alentejo, Algarve and Madeira. According to patients, dialysis units in these areas have no available vacancies during the peak holiday season, which severely limits their freedom of movement.
Affected patients ensure that this situation represents a form of discrimination, as they consider that priority is given to foreign tourists seeking treatment in these regions during holidays, to the detriment of national patients.
Hemodialysis is an essential and regular treatment for people with chronic kidney disease, requiring sessions several times a week. The impossibility of accessing this treatment outside the area of residence constitutes a significant barrier to the quality of life and mobility of these patients.
