The Ministry of National Defence and the Independent Doctors' Union (SIM) signed an agreement on Thursday, April 16, to regulate and improve the careers of civilian and military healthcare professionals at the Armed Forces Hospital (HFAR). The agreement resolves a long-standing impasse regarding career progression, including automatic advancement for consultants and the first senior assistant competition in over two decades. Defence Minister Nuno Melo highlighted the move as a priority for military health, also announcing a 14-million-euro investment in a new surgical centre and advanced medical equipment to ensure the hospital remains a centre of excellence.