Health authority says it is “completely false” that the council or ULS Algarve have been “inactive or disinterested”
The Algarve’s Local Health Unit (ULS Algarve) has denied claims of “inaction or disinterest” after the Resident reported that health professionals have threatened to leave the Portimão health centre due to delays in the opening of a new Family Health Unit (USF).
The health professionals warned that 12,500 people could lose their family doctor in Portimão if the required medical team of doctors and nurses – which was assembled around a year ago – decided to walk out due to their frustration with the delays.
ULS Algarve has categorically rejected these claims, stating that neither the Portimão municipal council – responsible for carrying out the necessary improvements at the health centre – nor the health authority have been inactive or indifferent. “Quite the opposite. Since taking office, the current Board of Directors has made this issue a top priority,” the statement says.
Both entities have met to find “proactive solutions” that allow renovation work to move forward without disrupting daily medical services, the health authority insists. One such step was the relocation of the Community Care Unit to new facilities made available by the municipality to free up space for improvements.
The statement also claims that the leadership of the future USF has been kept informed at every stage. “The future Coordinator of the USF has followed developments closely,” ULS Algarve said.
While it acknowledges the delays that have stalled the project, it says these are necessary to “fulfill all the rules of public procurement.”
“We want to reassure the population about all the work that is being carried out together by ULS Algarve and the municipal council of Portimão to ensure that this new USF will be, soon, a reailty for the people of Portimão,” the statement adds.
On a closing note, ULS Algarve thanks the council of Portimáo for its collaboration with this project and other health-related initiatives, describing it as an “essential partner in its mission to serve and care for the people of Portimão.”
