Twenty-three general surgeons at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPO) in Porto have submitted declarations of refusal of responsibility, warning that they are being called upon to handle clinical situations outside their specialty, according to medical unions. The Northern Doctors' Union (SMN) stated that these highly specialised cases, which the 23 surgeons on emergency duty are being asked to cover, fall under Urology and Otorhinolaryngology, which currently lack coverage during nights, weekends, and holidays. The doctors emphasise that patient safety and medical best practices are at risk, noting that their professional practice is limited to their area of competence. They further stated they cannot accept responsibility for organisational failures that compromise the quality of healthcare. In response, the SMN is demanding urgent action from the IPO Porto Board of Directors, the Executive Directorate of the National Health Service (DE-SNS), the Ministry of Health, and the General Inspectorate for Health Activities (IGAS). The declarations have also been submitted to the Portuguese Medical Association.