The parliamentary leader of the PS-M, Paulo Cafôfo, called for a reform of the Regional Health System, ahead of its 50th anniversary next year. He spoke at the party's parliamentary sessions, held under the theme "Health Without Barriers".
Cafôfo argued that the system is not working as it should, mainly because patients enter through emergency services when first-line care should come from primary care. He said prevention is neglected as a result, pointing to cancer prevalence above the national average and a large waiting list for medical procedures.
He also said regional budget funds are being used to pay earlier debts rather than to solve structural problems. He proposed better links between health and social services and the use of the Doutor Nélio Mendonça hospital for rehabilitation and continuing care.