Portuguese Medical Association Joins June General Strike

More than 1,100 new doctors have opted not to pursue medical specializations over the last three years. The organization intends to present concrete measures to the government following an in-depth analysis with the central health system administration. One in three doctors in Portugal declined medical specialization training in the last year. The broadcast noted that 39% of doctors practicing in France are originally from Algeria and must pass specific exams to practice. This occurs as France seeks methods to address medical deserts. Presidential candidate Bruno Retailleau stated the current situation is a pretext to hide underlying problems. The shortage is attributed to doctors being unable to enter their preferred specialties. The Medical Association and the Ministry of Health are reportedly monitoring the situation with concern. The National Federation of Medical Associations (FNAM) will join the general strike called by the CGTP on June 3. Joana Bordal Luissa, vice-president of the National Federation of Doctors, stated the decision follows the worsening situation in the National Health Service (SNS). Luissa described the current state of the SNS as a direct attack and cited a lack of political will to reinforce the system. She called for increased investment and the guarantee of complete medical teams with state-backed contracts.