The Autonomous Region of Madeira is facing a shortage of 37 occupational health doctors, with 47 specialists needed for an active population estimated at 140,000 people. Currently, only 10 professionals are practicing, representing a deficit of approximately 79%.
Mário Freitas, president of the National Association of Occupational Medicine Doctors (ANAMET), revealed the figures. He noted a positive evolution in the situation over the past two years, with the number of specialists tripling, though he deemed the response still insufficient.
Freitas identified the training of new specialists as a key obstacle, advocating for training outside hospital units to boost Madeira's capacity. He also highlighted the aging of the specialty and pointed to mental health issues, such as increased anxiety, depression, and burnout, as major current challenges.
