SNS Director Downplays Emergency Impacts of Vaccine Shortage as Hospitals Prepare for Crisis
Lisbon, Portugal – Despite widespread reports of skyrocketing wait times in emergency rooms and depleted vaccine supplies for the general population, the executive director of the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS), Álvaro Almeida, stated he does not anticipate significant impacts on emergency services due to the current lack of influenza vaccines. Almeida emphasized the priority remains protecting at-risk groups.
The statement comes as hospitals across the country begin activating contingency plans in response to an earlier-than-usual surge in influenza cases. While acknowledging the coming weeks will present a “crisis situation” for hospitals, Almeida maintains the SNS has taken preparatory measures and believes the system will be able to manage the increased demand.
He noted that hospitals like Amadora Sintra, currently facing staffing shortages in their emergency departments, have actively recruited doctors through channels outside of national competitions. Almeida conceded that certain situations,such as unexpected spikes in demand,are “unfeasible to prevent.” Though,he expressed confidence in the SNS’s overall ability to respond to the challenges ahead,focusing resources on those most vulnerable to complications from the flu.
