The National Health Service (SNS) in Portugal is facing a significant financial crisis, with a reported negative balance of 1.035 billion euros and a debt to external suppliers of 1.510 billion euros. Despite an increase in consultations and surgeries, waiting lists are growing, and more patients are without family doctors. The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, has not addressed how state policies contribute to the decline of public health services, particularly through tax deductions for private health services. This system encourages the use of private healthcare, undermining public services and leading to a financial strain on the SNS. The article raises critical questions about the sustainability of public health funding and the fairness of tax policies that benefit private healthcare users at the expense of those relying solely on public services.
Why are we paying for the destruction of the NHS?
Context & Explainers
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
