The Portuguese government may need to hire foreign doctors and doctors working in the private sector to help the Algarve deal with its chronic shortage of health professionals.
So said Health Minister Marta Temido in an interview this Friday with reporters, after signing a contract for the renovation of the paediatric ward at Porto’s São João Hospital.
However, Temido explained that these measures will only need to be taken during the second week of September, which is when the situation is expected to worsen as many doctors will be taking time off.
“We will do so if necessary,” the minister told reporter, adding that the priority will always be to bring in help from doctors from other regions of Portugal.
“We have already had some positive responses from some institutions and health professionals,” she added.
