The new Family Health Unit (USF) is ready, but around €308,000 is still needed to purchase the equipment required for it to operate.

As reported by Jornal do Algarve, São Brás de Alportel Council has decided to seek European funding through the Algarve 2030 programme, working alongside the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS), in an attempt to resolve the situation.

The municipality says that responsibility for equipping the building originally belonged to the Ministry of Health, under an agreement with the former Algarve Regional Health Administration. However, the necessary arrangements had not been made as construction was coming to an end.

Mayor Marlene Guerreiro therefore proposed a joint funding application with the Algarve ULS, which has already resulted in a cooperation agreement between the two organisations.

The council is now waiting for the application to be approved.

The mayor explained that the additional expense had not been included in the municipality's original plans and represents a considerable financial burden. However, she stressed that providing healthcare to local residents remains a priority and that the council could not allow the lack of equipment to delay the opening indefinitely.

New facilities for patients

The completion of construction was marked on 2 October, when representatives from the municipality and the Algarve ULS visited the building.

The new centre covers 745 square metres and includes 14 rooms for medical consultations, nursing and treatments, along with a training room, multipurpose room, reception and waiting area.

There are also staff facilities, indoor and outdoor garden areas and 49 parking spaces.

Of the total €2.825 million invested in the building, €2.217 million was financed through Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

During the visit, Marlene Guerreiro expressed hope that the building would soon be able to welcome patients, while ULS Algarve chairman Tiago Botelho also said he hoped the centre would become operational in the near future.

Plans to expand healthcare services

The opening of the new building could also bring changes to healthcare services elsewhere in São Brás de Alportel.

Once the Family Health Unit da Villa moves into its new premises, space will become available at the existing health centre.

The municipality wants to use this opportunity to introduce additional healthcare services, particularly in areas where residents currently need to travel outside the municipality for appointments or treatment.

Among the proposals being considered are new diagnostic services, therapies and preventive healthcare, including cardiology and psychiatry.

The council is preparing a plan for the future use of the existing building, which it hopes to develop in cooperation with the Algarve ULS.

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