The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) has "great concern" at a document they received from the Medical Oncology Service of the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS Algarve), that clearly communicates and substantiates their exemption from liability of "the unacceptable degradation of working conditions and care provided to cancer patients in the region".
In a statement, FNAM says that in a context marked by chronic shortages, the decision to abandon the Southern Reference Oncology Centre (CORS) project, "represents a clear sign of devaluation of the health of Algarve citizens". The FNAM considers that "the alternative proposal for the region to have a structure operating only in 2030, in Loulé, without listening to professionals on the ground, is a late, insufficient response, disrespectful towards doctors and, above all, towards patients".
Among the complaints presented, which the FNAM considers "extremely serious", are delays of months in the authorisation of essential medicines and tests, with a direct impact on the survival and prognosis of patients; lack of basic physical conditions, such as bathrooms and hot water, which put vulnerable patients at risk; extreme shortage of human resources, lack of a plan to retain doctors and normal functioning of the hospitalisation dependent on intern doctors; constant breakdowns in critical equipment, particularly for the preparation of chemotherapy; unsustainable care burden and structural disorganisation that compromise clinical safety or the lack of participation of professionals in strategic decisions about the future of oncology in the region.
The FNAM demands, as a matter of urgency, that the Ministry of Health take action, having filed the complaint with the General Inspectorate of Health Activities and Parliamentary Groups.
The structure says that the oncology doctors at ULS Algarve are not alone and that it supports their stance — "courageous, ethical and responsible" — and demands the resolution of the constraints highlighted, with the reinforcement of human and technical resources; the guarantee that structural decisions, such as the creation of oncology centres, involving SNS professionals; as well as the effective valorisation of medical work, with decent and safe working conditions.
Source https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/ - Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com
