Evora Signs 13.3 Million Euro Deal to Build Infrastructure for New Alentejo Central Hospital

A protocol worth 13.3 million euros for the construction of essential infrastructure serving the new Hospital Central do Alentejo (HCA) was signed in Evora on Friday, marking a milestone in one of the most important healthcare projects in southern Portugal. The ceremony, held at the hospital construction site, was presided over by Health Minister Ana Paula Martins.

Roads, Water, and Power

The agreement covers the construction of road access, water and sewage networks, and electrical connections to the new hospital, which is being built on the outskirts of Evora. The protocol was signed by the heads of four entities: the Alentejo Central Local Health Unit (ULSAC), the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS), the Evora Municipal Council, and the Alentejo Regional Development Commission (CCDR).

Under the terms, Evora’s municipality will be responsible for executing the infrastructure works, while funding will be provided by ULSAC. The arrangement resolves a long-standing impasse. A previous protocol signed in June 2023 had become outdated, requiring updated values and timelines. Negotiations between the municipality and the Health Ministry were only concluded in December 2025.

A Hospital for 440,000 People

The Hospital Central do Alentejo is being built on a 75-hectare site, with 25 hectares dedicated to the hospital itself. The project encompasses approximately 100,000 square metres of construction across 10 floors above and below ground.

When complete, the facility will serve around 150,000 residents in the Evora district directly, while functioning as a referral centre for approximately 440,000 people across the entire Alentejo region. It will operate alongside existing hospitals in Beja, Portalegre, Elvas, and the Alentejo coast.

The hospital will offer more than 30 medical specialties, equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technology. Its capacity includes 457 inpatient beds, 11 operating theatres, and 43 recovery bays.

Opening Timeline

The Health Ministry has estimated that the hospital will begin phased operations in the last quarter of 2027, prioritising outpatient services first. The timeline, while ambitious, depends on the timely completion of the infrastructure now covered by Friday’s protocol.

The Alentejo has long faced healthcare access challenges. As one of Portugal’s least densely populated regions, residents often travel significant distances for specialist care. The new central hospital aims to reduce that burden by concentrating advanced services in Evora while maintaining the network of smaller hospitals for routine care.

What This Means for Residents and Expats

The Alentejo has become increasingly popular with foreign buyers and retirees attracted by its affordability, landscape, and slower pace of life. The arrival of a modern central hospital addresses one of the region’s most frequently cited drawbacks: limited healthcare infrastructure.

For those already living in the region or considering a move, the HCA represents a significant upgrade in available medical services. The hospital’s 30-plus specialties will reduce the need for referrals to Lisbon, currently the default for many complex procedures.

The ULSAC described the protocol as “a decisive step to guarantee the operating conditions of the Hospital Central do Alentejo, reinforcing the capacity of the National Health Service in the region.”

Construction continues on site, with the infrastructure works now cleared to proceed following Friday’s signing.