Regional health authority ARS Algarve is to complete a two-year €4.3 million investment plan in 2017 designed to improve the quality of the Algarve’s public health services. Most of the money – around €3 million – is being invested this year.
The news came in a statement that also outlined a €1.3 million investment carried out by ARS Algarve last year.
Among projects in the pipeline are the construction of three new family health units (USFs) in Loulé, Quarteira and Albufeira.
Renovations are also planned for health units in Lagos (UCSP and USF Descobrimentos), Vila Real de Santo António (USF Esteva), Olhão (UCSP, USF Mirante, USF Âncor and UCC Olhar +) as well as Silves’ health centre.
The purchase of new clinical software for the Algarve’s public health laboratory and implementation of new systems to better manage ARS’ documents as well as health professionals’ work attendance are also among goals outlined by the health authority.
In addition, ARS Algarve aims to purchase seven mobile health units designed to increase ‘door-to-door’ medical appointments.
As for 2016’s accomplishments, the statement said these included the opening of three new family health units (USFs) in Lagos, Castro Marim and Portimão as well as the hiring of more doctors which helped elevate the percentage of Algarve citizens with a family doctor to 80%.
The health authority also purchased new computers and other IT equipment, implemented a new “paperless prescription” system as well as a new surveillance system that allows the remote monitoring of temperature and humidity in medical storage areas.
2016 was the first year regional health centres also offered a medical test known as spirometry which helps diagnose various lung conditions.
Other investments included general renovations at health centres, the testing of “telemedicine” technology, and the purchase of vehicles to support the “general activity” of the Algarve’s primary health services.
