It’s raining in the medical office of the Alcoentre Health Post

When it rains, at Alcoentre Health Post, water runs down the walls already stained with the constant dampness. On September 15th, the same scenario repeated itself and took by surprise the new family doctor who had just been put there in the service delivery system. In addition to precipitation on the doctor’s office and infirmary room, which is due to the lack of coverage on the roof, there is a need to replace the plumbing, bathroom fixtures, the floor and the implementation of interior and exterior paints. The Regional Health Administration (ARS) in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo is aware of the situation and has conducted a site inspection to note the necessary work, which should not start any time soon.
According to the mayor of Azambuja, Silvino Lúcio, ARS says that 96,000 euros of work is needed, but the municipality that inspected the site also understands that the work necessary to provide decent conditions for users and professionals costs no less than 300,000 euros. “There is a difference of €200,000 that we have already reported to the ARS and the Ministry of Health,” the mayor told O Mirante, adding that “if the transfer of competences in the health field is not accompanied by this exchange of value for works”, the municipality will not accept.
The lack of conditions at Alcoentre Health Post has created restrictions on professionals and users and worries the mayor, who fears that the new doctor will leave the job and that others will not accept work under these conditions. The matter was also discussed at the last council meeting in Azambuja, regarding the shortage of doctors affecting more than 80% of the population of the province. After Silvino Lúcio announced that another doctor had entered the Alcoentre Centre, Chancellor Roy Corsa (PSD) warned that the doctor might work one day and not return due to poor working conditions. Silvino Lucio had already said, in a previous council session, that the municipality was available to carry out the works but the ARS refused.

The problem in Azambuja is the air conditioning
But there are other cases that indicate the lack of investment in health buildings in the municipality. At the Azambuja health centre, where a shortage of doctors is already a chronic problem, the air conditioner has not worked since the unit opened in 2007. For Armando Martins, spokesperson for the Pela Saúde movement in Azambuja, it is unacceptable that in summer, patients have to “bear the temperatures up to 40°C” and to feel cold in winter, especially children who are weighed down.
O MIRANTE said another big problem is phone exchanges that are “not working as they should” and need urgent replacement so staff can return calls to users who are calling to try to make an appointment.
Since the end of August, it is reported that users assigned to health units in Azambuja and Aveiras de Cima are advised to seek permanent care service in Benavente, Póvoa de Santa Iria health center or hospital from Vila Franca de Xira for care due to the shortage of doctors in those units.