The Iniciativa Liberal (IL) believes that the implementation of new co-payment rules for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation treatments confirms fears that these would create obstacles to accessing essential therapies and generate additional costs for families.
Deputy Gonçalo Maia Camelo stated that the IL had warned of these risks and that the problems being experienced were predictable. The IL argues that the Regional Government must acknowledge the issue and correct the regulation, allowing doctors of relevant specialties to prescribe necessary treatments without requiring a physiatrist in all cases, as currently happens with pediatricians and orthopedists.
The IL also regrets the favorable opinion issued by the Order of Physicians on this solution, considering the decision to be influenced by corporatist interests and detrimental to patients. The IL calls for an urgent review of physiotherapy prescription rules to ensure clear criteria appropriate to the clinical reality, eliminating bureaucratic and financial barriers.
