The Portuguese Ministry of Health, led by Ana Paula Martins, acknowledged ongoing efforts to address some nurses' demands but admitted that solutions for all issues are not yet available. The government is working on matters such as career progression and resource allocation, but resolving these complex issues requires time and coordination. The Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses (SEP) has announced a general strike for March 20, protesting delays in implementing career advancements, retroactive payments, and staffing concerns, citing risks to patient safety and professional conditions. While the government respects the right to strike, it emphasizes the need for negotiations and acknowledges that some demands, like performance evaluation systems and risk compensation, remain unresolved.