Hidden epidemic
As Portugal marked National Alcoholics Anonymous day recently, experts hoped that the event would focus attention on a growing national alcohol problem. It is estimated that there are 700,000 chronic
Concern grows over organ trade
Worldwide media attention focused recently on the trade in human organ trafficking allegedly taking place in the city of Nampula in Mozambique. Concerns were raised after it was alleged that
Abortion law stays
There were outbursts of anger and applause in parliament after a vote that rejected a referendum on relaxing the country’s strict abortion laws. The outcome was not a total surprise,
Hospital hygiene alert
A damning report about the state of Portuguese hospitals has revealed glaring deficiencies in facilities. These include the absence of sanitary barriers, overcrowding, inadequate cleaning and insufficient lavatories – all
Health reform starts at home
Healthcare should be the responsibility of individuals and not just of the state, according to the Prime Minister, who also advocates placing restrictions on the advertising and sale of alcohol
Portuguese misuse tranquillisers
According to a new study from Brussels, 23 per cent of the Portuguese population is regularly resorting to benzodiazepine, a prescribed tranquilliser, making the country Europe’s second biggest consumer of
Pharmacies for region
A new pharmacy has recently opened in Pechão, Olhão. And according to the Minister of Health, Luís Pereira, more pharmacies are to be built in Rogil (Aljezur), Tunes (Silves), Altura
Health boost for region
Two historic events concerning the Algarve’s health service took place recently. The first was the opening of the Hospital da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Portimão. The new health facility
A sight for healed eyes
Eye-Q-Vision is opening the eyes of the community in more ways than one. The successful new ophthalmology centre now also provides an in-house incentive for vision improvement. The centre in