The National Association of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Associação Nacional dos Doentes com Artrite Reumatoide or A.N.D.A.R.) reports that hospital stock shortages are forcing patients to travel long distances weekly to collect medication. Some patients reportedly travel over 100 kilometers to units like the Hospital Beatriz Ângelo because pharmacies cannot provide multi-month supplies. Those relying on specialized hospital medication should check stock levels with their local unit before traveling.
Medication shortages force patients to travel for hospital prescriptions
Friday, 27 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The National Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (Associação Nacional de Doentes com Artrite Reumatoide or A.N.D.A.R.) is a support group for people with chronic inflammatory joint diseases. It works to improve patient care and recently highlighted cases where patients must travel over 100 kilometers weekly for treatment. Those with chronic conditions should note that such associations provide vital resources for navigating the public health system.
Hospital Beatriz Ângelo is a major public hospital in Loures that serves several municipalities north of Lisbon, including Odivelas and Mafra. It moved to full public management under the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) in 2022 after previously operating as a public-private partnership. Residents in the northern Lisbon area should be aware that its emergency and pediatric departments often experience high patient volumes.
Sources (3)
- Hospitals out of stock force patients from afar to travel weekly for medicationCorreio da Manhã · 3:18pm, 27 Mar 2026
- Hospitals out of stock force patients to travel 100 kilometres every week to collect medicationCNN Portugal · 5:59pm, 27 Mar 2026
- Hospitals: Lack of stock forces patients to make weekly tripsObservador · 4:25pm, 27 Mar 2026
