The number of patients treated from Portuguese-speaking countries in Portugal’s private hospitals has reached tens of thousands, bringing in millions of euros, according to data provided by the major private hospitals.
Information supplied by Espírito Santo Saúde (ESS), José de Mello Saúde (JMS) and from Hospitais Privados de Portugal (HPP) indicate that the number of patients from Lusophone countries, especially Brazil and Angola, has easily reached 10,000 this year, representing a turnover that in the case of ESS, exceeded €8 million.
The numbers are not exact due to commercial secrecy but ESS says it will see around 18,000 foreigners in its hospitals in Portugal this year, about 5% of the group's turnover.
JMS has seen nearly 1,000 Angolans and 500 Brazilians this year. The marketing director for the group, Paula Brito Silva, says Angola is the largest source of patients, especially since JMS started advertising there.
HPP said that the number of patients seeking medical care and information has grown by 15% in recent years, predominantly from the UK, Ireland and the United States as well as from Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Belgium, Malta, Angola and some others.
