The Algarve and Alentejo regions find themselves out in the cold when it comes to sophisticated medical screening, like PET (Positron emission tomography) scans.
Of the 12 centres for nuclear medical imaging – vital when considering illnesses like cancer – not one can be found in the south of the country. Most are centred round Lisbon and Vale do Tejo, meaning that many patients have to travel long distances to take advantage of them.
A report in Expresso newspaper cites ERS (the health regulating authority) saying the situation puts equity in healthcare at issue. “13% of the total population are at least a 90-minute journey from these services, which translates into 1,560 people needing to do round trips over 180 minutes. This doesn’t just mean discomfort for patients, it implies considerable transport costs and a low level of accessibility,” says the ERS report.
ERS pinpoints other failings, including hospitals that are considered ‘last chance’ for patients – centres that should offer all necessary services – but which don’t offer PET scans.
PET scans study the whole body and are extremely expensive when paid for privately. Costs range from €486 to as much as €725.
