In a firm rebuttal of health workers' union claims the Regional Health Administration of the Algarve has stated that is investing in health and has hired 22 doctors and 44 nurses this year to work in the region's hospitals. It did not mention how many professional had left the service, either by retirement or by moving to the private sector.
The Administration was responding to the strike action across the region's hospitals last Friday.
The Administration's management clarified that in 2014 it already has hired 22 doctors and 44 nurses and has about 90 vacancies for doctors in family medicine and 46 vacancies for specialists in hospital disciplines with a further 105 vacancies soon to be authorised.
The reaction comes in the wake of criticism from the Union of Portuguese Nurses and the Civil Service Union (South) last week that the region is hugely understaffed with many professional having to work double shifts to maintain some sort of service in the face of a heightened summer demand.
The action saw 80-90% of healthcare workers and administrators out on strike, complaining of the lack of staff and materials, and delays in fulfilling patient appointments.
The Administration'ss statement points out that the organisational changes made in the hospital network in the Algarve and the financial resources available have reduced operating costs and have ensured the financial sustainability of the Hospital of the Algarve Group.
Union representatives say that there are 1,000 unfilled posts in the Algarve healthcare system, including those for Doctors, nurses, and technical and diagnotic assistants.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s health ministry has admitted spending €12 million on hiring Doctors from Cuba in the past three years.
The chairman of the Medical Council, José Manuel Silva, said that the Ministry of Health does not offer Portuguese doctors similar terms and conditions. The Cubans have cost up to €5,900 a month, rather more than local Doctors.
The problem in recruiting Doctors to work in the Algarve is compounded by high accommodation costs, low pay and the continuing friction between management bodies and the medical profession.
Comments
If the Administration has saved money through reorganisation, the savings have probably been made in a reduction in the staff establishment. How are these savings being used?
If Portuguese are available and do not accept work here in the Algarve because of high living costs, instead of employing Cubans, why not offer an Algarve weighting allowance (as they do for London)? Such a move might even be less expensive than employing Cubans.