In 2025, the Algarve health unit contracted 470,000 hours to agency doctors and led national spending on this item at over 21 million euros.
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Read today’s briefingThe Minister of Health has dismissed the presidents of the Local Health Units (ULS) of Algarve and Aveiro. Both officials were initially appointed by the minister herself and had ties to the PSD, a decision that had required the termination of the previous office-holders' mandates.
The Ministry of Health dismissed the president of the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS) following reports of three deaths in the emergency department of Portimão Hospital. The regional doctors' union argues that replacing management will not address systemic issues, calling instead for policy changes, increased investment, and improved career conditions to retain medical professionals in the SNS.
Following a meeting with medical service providers, the Minister of Health promised to consider the current average rate of 43 euros per hour when setting new payment caps in an upcoming ordinance, expected in early October. No final values have been confirmed for the new fee structure.