Those who live in the interior of the state have worse access to healthcare. A study by the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS) also reveals that only a minority have excellent access to care because they live close to large hospitals.
A released a study identifying “territorial imbalances in access to healthcare”. The lack of doctors is at the root of the problem.
The 39 local health units existing in Portugal, the Regulatory Entity identifies in the interior of the country the greatest asymmetries.
One older population and, therefore, with a greater need for primary care, on the one hand, and the lack of doctorson the other, are at the root of difficulties in accessing healthcare.
In the case of Alto Alentejothere are places where there are simply no clinicians. The need to attract and retain doctors in the interior of the country leads to creative measures.
The Health Regulatory Authority also states that only 3% of the population residing in Portugal has a high level of access to health services. This population is concentrated around large urban and hospital centers.
Already there is 111 thousand registered users in primary health care, 28 thousand do not have a family doctor.
