The Algarve is set to see its first privately managed Family Health Units (USF) open as early as the second half of this year. However, the move is already sparking political opposition.
Health Minister Ana Paula Martins confirmed on Tuesday during a parliamentary hearing that privately run USF Model C units in Silves and Lagos could begin operating in the coming months, insisting there are “teams ready to take on the challenge”.
Four applications were submitted within the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS), three of which have already been selected. If the evaluation process concludes without setbacks, the new units are expected to open before the end of the year.
The Algarve health authority is also preparing to launch new tenders for privately managed health centres in Albufeira, Loulé and Portimão, with more announcements expected in the coming weeks.
250,000 patients in the balance
Back in January, the central administration of the health system (ACSS) estimated that more than 250,000 patients nationwide could be covered by the new Model C units, aimed at tackling the chronic shortage of family doctors.
The government approved legislation in September 2024 allowing private, social sector and even municipal entities to manage primary healthcare centres. In December, the Ministries of Finance and Health authorised nearly €70 million in spending through 2030 to fund the rollout across several regions, including the Algarve.
“Why not invest in the public system?”
But not everyone is excited about the news.
Silves mayor Luísa Conduto – from the CDU coalition made up of PCP communists and PEV ecologists – has slammed the government’s priorities, arguing that the focus should be on strengthening public health services instead.
In Silves alone, nearly 16,000 patients are currently without a family doctor. The new private USF is expected to serve around 7,800 – barely half of those in need.
“The priority should be to equip our health centres with the professionals and resources they need to function properly,” she told SIC, criticising what she sees as a failure to invest in the ageing local health centre.
“Perhaps the intention isn’t even to refurbish the old centre. Apparently, it’s easier to hand things over to the private sector,” she added.
The first batch of Model C units is expected to launch in the second half of the year, including projects in other parts of the country. In the Algarve, Lagos is set to receive another unit aimed at covering nearly 14,000 patients.
Meanwhile, the health minister has signalled further tenders in Lisbon’s Amadora/Sintra, Loures and Estuário do Tejo areas, as well as additional Algarve locations including Albufeira, Portimão and Vila do Bispo.
ULS Algarve insists the move will not increase overall spending compared to traditional public Model B units, which cost around €1 million annually to cover roughly 10,000 patients.
