The National Union of Higher Health Technicians (STSS) has highlighted a critical shortage of radiology technicians in Madeira, which is compromising patient care across the region.
The union reports that several professionals have submitted letters of responsibility waiver, not as a refusal of care, but as an alert to service needs. In Porto Santo, only one technician is on a replacement basis to cover 24-hour service, requiring staff from other departments, thus increasing existing pressure.
Health centers with emergency services, such as Machico and São Vicente, have X-ray equipment installed but lack personnel to operate them, preventing examinations. The STSS also worries about the capacity to respond to oncological patients requiring CT scans and MRIs, fearing that these constraints may delay necessary diagnoses and treatments.
Furthermore, the union points to inadequate conditions in some facilities, including temperature and air quality issues, and estimates a general deficit of approximately 130 diagnostic and therapeutic health professionals, with 54 deemed urgent hires. The absence of an appointed Senior Director also affects service organization and resource management.
