Cape Verde & Portugal: New Era of Health Cooperation
Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves is calling for a “new era” of health cooperation with Portugal, aiming to modernize his country’s medical infrastructure and reduce the need for overseas patient transfers.
Speaking in Porto on Monday during a visit to São João Hospital, President Neves emphasized the need to build on a “relationship of excellence” that has existed since Cape Verde’s independence. He met with hospital administrators and visited Cape Verdean patients currently receiving treatment in Portugal under existing bilateral agreements.
From Evacuation to Local Treatment
While Portugal has long served as a lifeline for Cape Verdean patients requiring complex care, President Neves signaled a strategic shift toward self-sufficiency. “Until recently, almost all kidney patients came to Portugal,” Neves noted. “Today, thanks to Portuguese cooperation, we already have two hemodialysis centers in Cape Verde, and we recently performed our first kidney transplant with the help of Portuguese specialists.”
This success serves as a blueprint for the future. The President stated his intention to establish more specialized centers within Cape Verde, particularly targeting diseases that currently account for the highest number of medical evacuations. By leveraging telemedicine for diagnostics and consultations, Neves hopes to provide high-level care on home soil.
Inspiration from Portugal’s NHS
The President highlighted São João Hospital as a “reference point” for Cape Verde and praised Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) as a model for development. “Portugal has already walked this path. It has an NHS that works,” he said. “We can be inspired and learn a lot, particularly in training specialists and managing different diseases.”
The strategy also involves expanding academic ties. Neves cited a successful medical degree program run in partnership with the University of Coimbra and expressed interest in establishing similar collaborations with other Portuguese medical schools to bolster Cape Verde’s domestic healthcare workforce.
Strengthening Ties in the Diaspora
The visit to the hospital was part of a broader “Presidency in the Diaspora” program. Following his time at São João and Santo António Hospitals, Neves was received at Porto City Hall. His itinerary included meetings with mayors from the North and Center regions of Portugal to discuss decentralized cooperation between twinned municipalities.
The President’s week-long tour also includes meetings with the Cape Verdean community in Porto and visits to residences housing Cape Verdean patients. The mission is set to conclude this coming Sunday, marking a significant push to optimize resources and ensure that cooperation between the two nations remains “much more effective” for the next generation.
Image: Pexels – Los Muertos Crew
