The Short Notes series intends to provide analyses on key topics related with the health sector.

This Short Note analyses an innovative solution, within the scope of the Portuguese National Health Service, in response to the shortage of family doctors and its impact on access to healthcare. Via Verde Saúde (VVS) is a temporary measure designed to provide primary healthcare services to the most disadvantaged population in the Lisbon area without a family doctor.

The creation of VVS was based on a new model of primary healthcare that relies on a multidisciplinary team approach. This Short Note evaluates VVS along three main dimensions: professional satisfaction, patient satisfaction and economic and financial implications. The results show a high level of professional satisfaction and appreciation for the quality of the services provided. In terms of economic impact, the analysis indicates that maintaining VVS, with increased funding and a transition to a more sustainable model, would be less costly in budgetary terms than closing it, considering the potential increase in the costs of hospital emergency services due to lack of access to primary healthcare.

👉 See full report in Portuguese.

Authors of the study: Pedro Pita Barros, Olivia Villeneuve, Nuno Henrique Campos Matos and Carolina Borges da Cunha Santos

This report is part of the Social Equity Initiative , a partnership between Fundación "la Caixa" , BancoBPI, and Nova School of Business and Economics.