Additional production within the Autonomous Region of Madeira's Health Service (SESARAM) is a long-standing practice used to boost healthcare activity and reduce waiting lists, exemplified by the Surgery Recovery Program (PRC).
In recent years, the Regional Government has implemented a specific remuneration bonus scheme for doctors undertaking extra work. This aims to bolster specialties facing staff shortages and recover clinical activity.
Analysis of joint decrees between 2023 and 2026 shows a significant rise in the budget allocated for this measure. In 2023, the total cost was approximately €385,000, covering five specialties. In 2024, this figure nearly doubled to about €834,000, including 12 specialties, although per-act rates remained stable, with specific exceptions like mammography readings.
