CGTP: Impact of the health strike in the Algarve demonstrates the structural problems of the NHS in the region

"Today [the health sector] is on strike with a huge impact and this reveals, in fact, the structural problems that are happening today and that are happening today in the National Health Service," he told journalists, during a demonstration promoted by the Algarve Union of Trade Unions (USAL).

More than a hundred people attended the rally in the city center today, a day of regional struggle that marked the 50th anniversary of the USAL and brought together several unions, not only from the health sector, but also from the hotel, commerce and services sector, among others.

According to Tiago Oliveira, the country is currently witnessing a complete dismemberment of the National Health Service, visible through the lack of investment in resources, but also in the appreciation of its professionals.

"There is a shortage of doctors, nurses, assistants, caregivers, and everyone who is needed in the workplace every day is missing, and that is why this strike is having the effects it has," he said.

Regarding the statements made by the president of the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS), Tiago Botelho, who cited political reasons for the strike being called by three union structures, Tiago Oliveira described them as “indecent”.

According to the union leader, it is necessary to understand that "whenever professionals fight [...], whenever a worker fights, whoever they may be, they fight in search of appreciation, in the case of professionals in public services themselves, as they fight for a concrete response" to problems.

"There's no point in trying to hide the truth, there's no point in trying to justify something that's happening, when it's clear to the entire population, to every Portuguese person, that there are enormous deficiencies in the National Health Service and these deficiencies are not being overcome towards a different future," he added.

The strike in the Algarve's health services is currently affecting emergency services, outpatient consultations and the operation of the operating room at Faro hospital, according to sources from the unions that called the strike.

In the case of nurses, strike participation is around 80%, and in the operating room, participation is 100%, with all scheduled surgeries being cancelled and only oncological surgeries being performed, according to the unions.

Doctors' participation is around 60%, with several Family Health Units (USF) closed in Faro and Loulé, and in Faro, at least two of these units adhered 100% to the strike.

The strike, scheduled for between midnight and midnight today, covers all health professionals working in the National Health Service (SNS) in the region (corresponding to the district of Faro), who are demanding, among other demands, the hiring of more staff to stop the burnout they say they are being subjected to.