Healthcare, SNS, insurance, and medical services.
Portugal and your longevity
Portugal - The Simple Life • 50:52 • 2w ago
The external paediatric surgery emergency department at Hospital Dona Estefânia in Lisbon will remain closed until Sunday at 8:00 PM. The clinical director cited a critical shortage of anaesthesiology staff as the reason for the temporary suspension of emergency surgical services.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) is evaluating a proposal to end night-time medical helicopter transport as part of a broader restructuring plan. The potential changes include basing emergency services at hospitals and utilizing military aircraft for patient transport.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
Health sector workers will strike on May 4th and 5th to demand better wages and improved working conditions. The union organizing the stoppage is calling for the restoration of career points and an end to the reliance on excessive overtime and long, continuous work shifts.
The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) recorded 3,429 episodes of violence against healthcare professionals in 2025, a significant increase from 2,581 cases in 2024. According to data from the Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS), psychological aggression remains the most frequent form of abuse, leading to over 2,000 days of work absences.
ULS Alto Ave is the Alto Ave Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave), a public body that runs hospitals and some primary-care services for the Ave area in northern Portugal. It is part of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), and recent staff strikes have affected overtime and complementary work, so residents should check local hospital notices before visiting.
The Aedes albopictus mosquito, known for transmitting diseases like dengue and Zika, has expanded its presence to 28 municipalities across Portugal, an increase of ten from 2024. Recent data from the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge or INSA) confirms new detections in Lisbon, Oeiras, Almada, and Sesimbra.
Excess mortality is the number of deaths above what would be expected based on historical averages (commonly a multi‑year baseline), and it captures deaths directly and indirectly caused by events like epidemics, heatwaves or healthcare disruptions. Portugal’s public health institute INSA (Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge) monitors excess mortality to see the broader impact of seasonal illnesses and other stresses on the health system, so a drop in flu cases does not automatically mean overall mortality has returned to normal. Those following public‑health trends should note excess‑mortality figures because they show the pandemic and other factors’ continuing effect on population health.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) paid 9.7 million euros to firefighters this Monday, settling debts for urgent patient transport services provided in February. While the Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) confirmed receipt of the funds, they warned that another 10 million euros for March is due this Thursday, with the potential for agreement termination still under discussion.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
The mosquito species capable of transmitting dengue and yellow fever has been identified in 28 municipalities across Portugal in 2025, according to the National Institute of Health (Instituto Nacional de Saúde or Insa). This represents an increase of 10 municipalities compared to 2024, with recent detections in Lisbon, Oeiras, Almada, and Sesimbra.
Excess mortality is the number of deaths above what would be expected based on historical averages (commonly a multi‑year baseline), and it captures deaths directly and indirectly caused by events like epidemics, heatwaves or healthcare disruptions. Portugal’s public health institute INSA (Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge) monitors excess mortality to see the broader impact of seasonal illnesses and other stresses on the health system, so a drop in flu cases does not automatically mean overall mortality has returned to normal. Those following public‑health trends should note excess‑mortality figures because they show the pandemic and other factors’ continuing effect on population health.
The Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa) coordinated the medical evacuation of a 76-year-old American woman from a cruise ship west of the Azores archipelago. The rescue operation, initiated on Friday, resulted in the patient being transported to a hospital in Ponta Delgada for treatment.
The Marinha Portuguesa (Portuguese Navy) is the branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces responsible for naval operations and maritime surveillance. It plays a key role in search and rescue missions, particularly in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, and protects Portugal's extensive maritime territory.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) is under scrutiny after its emergency dispatch centre, the CODU, reportedly refused to authorize hospital transport for a 55-year-old blind man. Although the CODU initially dispatched an ambulance from the Arruda dos Vinhos fire department to the Marvila area in Lisbon, it later denied the patient admission to the hospital. Firefighters proceeded to transport the man to the Hospital de São José regardless of the instruction.
INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica) is Portugal's national emergency medical service, responsible for coordinating and providing pre-hospital emergency care. It operates the country's emergency medical dispatch system, activated through the European emergency number 112.
INEM deploys ambulances (including basic and advanced life support units), medical helicopters (VMER), and motorcycle response units across Portugal. It also manages the CODU (Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes) — the emergency call centers that triage incoming 112 calls and dispatch the appropriate medical response.
INEM has faced persistent challenges including ambulance shortages, staffing gaps (particularly among emergency medical technicians), and long response times in rural areas. These issues have made INEM a frequent subject of political debate, with calls for better funding, improved working conditions, and expanded coverage. Residents should know that calling 112 connects to INEM's triage system, and knowing your exact location speeds up emergency response.
The CODU (Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes) is the emergency medical dispatch center responsible for coordinating urgent pre-hospital care in Portugal. It operates under the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) to assess medical emergencies and dispatch the appropriate resources, such as ambulances or helicopters.
The number of social hospitalizations—patients who remain in hospitals despite being medically cleared for discharge—increased by 19% between March 2025 and March 2026. These patients currently occupy 14% of all available beds within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), raising concerns about hospital capacity.
ULS Alto Ave is the Alto Ave Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave), a public body that runs hospitals and some primary-care services for the Ave area in northern Portugal. It is part of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), and recent staff strikes have affected overtime and complementary work, so residents should check local hospital notices before visiting.
The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) reported 18,601 pregnancy terminations in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. Most procedures were elective, performed within the first ten weeks of pregnancy, with the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region accounting for over half of the total cases.
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
President of the Republic António José Seguro has appointed former health minister Adalberto Campos Fernandes to coordinate a new Strategic Pact for Health. The initiative aims to build a long-term, cross-party consensus to improve the national healthcare system, with Campos Fernandes emphasizing that the sector requires stability and efficiency over radical changes.
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and the current President of the Portuguese Republic, inaugurated on March 9, 2026 after winning the two-round presidential election in January–February 2026.
Career: He led Socialist Youth (1990–1994), served as MEP (1999–2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001–2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004–2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and a decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025 and won the presidency in February 2026.
Political philosophy: Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, advocating financial responsibility while opposing austerity. As President, he has emphasized institutional trust, efficient governance, and a collaborative relationship with the government while maintaining rigorous constitutional oversight.
Adalberto Campos Fernandes is a physician and academic who served as Portugal's Minister of Health from 2015 to 2018. He is currently tasked by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa with coordinating a new Strategic Pact for Health (Pacto Estratégico para a Saúde), aimed at building consensus for long-term improvements in the national health system.
A report by the Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators (Associação Portuguesa de Administradores Hospitalares or APAH) reveals that 2,807 patients remain in public hospitals despite being medically discharged. These patients, who are waiting for placement in long-term care facilities or nursing homes, occupy nearly 14% of National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) beds. The situation has worsened by 19% since last year, costing the state more than 350 million euros annually.
Staffing and shift schedules in the SNS combine permanent doctors, residents and temporary cover (locums or overtime) arranged by each hospital's Clinical Directorate ("Direção Clínica"), which plans rotas to cover on‑call and emergency shifts. Rotas are subject to national labour rules, collective agreements and local shortages, so hospitals may use voluntary shift swaps, incentives or external contractors when regular staff are unavailable.
The Portuguese Association of Hospital Managers (Associação Portuguesa de Administradores Hospitalares or APAH) is a professional organization representing individuals who manage public and private health institutions. It advocates for improvements in hospital management and often provides analysis on systemic issues like the current backlog of patients awaiting discharge from the national health service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS).
The widow of a man who died in Pombal during a strike by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) testified before a parliamentary inquiry committee. She criticized the lack of minimum services during the walkout and demanded accountability for the delayed emergency response. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) is seeking legal opinions regarding the potential recall of INEM official Cristina Vaz Tomé.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
The Democratic Alliance (Aliança Democrática, AD) is a center-right coalition primarily composed of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 89 seats and the CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) with 2 seats. Together, they form the current minority government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
The PSD, despite its name, occupies the center-right of Portugal's political spectrum and has been one of Portugal's two dominant parties since 1974, having formed nine governments including four with absolute majorities. The CDS-PP is a smaller Christian democratic party that has historically been the PSD's coalition partner.
The AD coalition governs without a parliamentary majority, requiring case-by-case support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The coalition has imposed a cordon sanitaire against Chega, refusing formal cooperation with the far-right despite its parliamentary strength, which means it must negotiate with the PS or smaller parties to advance its legislative agenda.
Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins admitted during a parliamentary debate that the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) faces increased waiting lists and a decline in activity compared to 2025. The minister attributed these issues to seasonal factors and rising demand, while announcing a 50-million-euro investment to renovate emergency departments. Data also indicates that while total emergency visits fell during the winter, the proportion of urgent cases increased.
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.
Hospital de Braga is the main public hospital serving the Braga district and is part of Portugal's national health service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). It provides emergency care and specialist services including oncology, and recent reports said cancer patients there complained of medicine shortages, so residents should check with their doctor or local pharmacy before appointments.
Dozens of citizens gathered in Setúbal for a public forum organized by the Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP) to demand more doctors and improved services within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). Participants criticized the current state of digital infrastructure, noting that the SNS24 app often acts as a barrier to care rather than a solution. The PCP accused the government of neglecting public health facilities while failing to address the shortage of family doctors.
The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP or Partido Comunista Português) is a Marxist‑Leninist party founded in 1921 out of the revolutionary trade‑union and anarcho‑syndicalist movement, becoming the Portuguese section of the Comintern in 1923. Banned after the 1926 coup, it went underground and became a central force of resistance to the Estado Novo dictatorship, organizing clandestine unions, anti‑fascist struggle and supporting the colonial liberation movements. After the 1974 Carnation Revolution, the PCP was pivotal in land reform, nationalisations and embedding social rights in the 1976 Constitution, especially in the Alentejo and Setúbal regions where it has long been very strong.
Today the PCP is a smaller but still influential party rooted in the CGTP trade‑union confederation and local government, holding a handful of Assembly seats and one MEP in the Left group. It advocates a “patriotic and left‑wing alternative”: defence of workers’ rights, public services and national sovereignty, strong criticism of EU and NATO constraints, and support for socialist countries and anti‑imperialist causes.
Family medicine (Medicina Geral e Familiar) is the medical specialty that provides continuous primary care through family doctors who manage common illnesses, chronic diseases and preventive care. In Portugal these specialists are the backbone of the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde); the story notes 57 doctors finished the specialty and 38 stayed in the NHS, giving family doctors to about 77,500 patients.
A new report from the Lancet Countdown Europe warns of significant public health risks in Portugal due to climate change, including a sharp increase in mortality linked to extreme heat. Data indicates that heat-related alerts in Europe have risen by 318% over the last decade, with the report calling for urgent adaptive policies to protect the population. Experts like Luís Campos have emphasized the need for immediate government action to address these environmental threats.
Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins expects the legal framework for the refounding of the National Institute for Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) to be approved by this summer. During a parliamentary inquiry, the minister outlined ten key areas for reform, including changes to the legal status of the institute and new models for emergency telephone triage. The government previously delayed the presentation of the organic law to ensure the final proposal is more comprehensive.
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.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
The president of the National Institute for Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM), Luís Mendes Cabral, stated that the institute owes approximately 9.7 million euros to firefighters for February patient transport. This figure is less than half of the amount claimed by the Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP).
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
A study by the Catholic University of Portugal indicates that nearly 70% of respondents are worried about the state of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). Over a third of those surveyed reported needing private health insurance due to concerns regarding waiting lists and emergency response times. Critics argue that despite government pledges to maintain a universal public system, current policies are shifting focus toward private interests.
Staffing and shift schedules in the SNS combine permanent doctors, residents and temporary cover (locums or overtime) arranged by each hospital's Clinical Directorate ("Direção Clínica"), which plans rotas to cover on‑call and emergency shifts. Rotas are subject to national labour rules, collective agreements and local shortages, so hospitals may use voluntary shift swaps, incentives or external contractors when regular staff are unavailable.
The Portuguese Nurses' Union (Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses or SEP) has announced a national strike for May 12. The industrial action will span the public, private, and social sectors as nurses demand government intervention to address long-standing professional grievances.
The Portuguese Nurses' Union (Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses) is the main trade union representing nurses in Portugal. It announced a strike for 20 March 2026, which can disrupt hospital routines and appointments in the public health service, so those relying on public care should check services and plan accordingly.
A new decree-law now reinforces the right to be forgotten for individuals who have overcome cancer or other serious illnesses. Under the updated rules, applicants are no longer required to disclose past serious health conditions when taking out insurance associated with housing or consumer credit. The measure aims to prevent discrimination in the financial sector for those in remission.
The right to be forgotten (direito ao esquecimento) is a legal protection that prevents banks and insurance companies from using a person's past medical history, such as cancer or HIV, to deny credit or insurance. In Portugal, this right typically applies ten years after the end of treatment for adults, or five years if the illness occurred before age 21. Residents seeking life insurance or mortgages after recovering from serious illness should be aware of these protections.
A Portuguese psychiatrist previously convicted in Sweden for child pornography continues to see patients in Portugal despite having his Swedish medical license revoked. Authorities discovered 39 devices containing illegal files during an investigation in Sweden, leading to a prison sentence. Although Swedish authorities notified the internal market information system, the doctor remains active in the Portuguese medical system.
The Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) has unanimously voted to terminate its cooperation agreement with the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM). The decision follows a 20 million euro debt owed to the firefighters for pre-hospital services. The termination will take effect 120 days after formal notification, potentially impacting emergency response services.
Update: Government promises solution for INEM debt to firefighters
Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves promised this Saturday that the government will find a solution in the coming days to resolve the outstanding payments. INEM acknowledged the debt, citing a need for budgetary reinforcement, and assured that emergency services will not be interrupted during the transition.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
Luís Neves will take office on Monday as Minister of Internal Administration. He graduated in law and has worked at the Judicial Police since 1995, where he served as coordinator of a national unit and developed a long career in criminal investigation.
The Independent Doctors' Union (Sindicato Independente dos Médicos or SIM) has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Defence to unblock the career progression of civilian doctors within the Armed Forces. This deal resolves a deadlock that has persisted for over three decades. The Minister of Defence stated that the government is now providing a long-overdue response to the needs of health professionals at the Armed Forces Hospital.
The Independent Doctors' Union (Sindicato Independente dos Médicos or SIM) is a labor organization that represents physicians in Portugal. It frequently negotiates with the government regarding working conditions, salary structures, and public health policy within the national health service.
A new regional gynaecology and obstetrics emergency department has opened on the Setúbal Peninsula, operating across the Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada and the São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal. The reorganization follows the permanent closure of the emergency service in Barreiro, a move that faced significant opposition from local mayors and patient organizations. The new department continues to rely on temporary doctors (médicos tarefeiros) to maintain service coverage.
Tarefeiros are temporary workers (trabalhadores a recibo verde) hired on a task-by-task basis to provide services to the public sector. Unlike permanent civil servants, they often lack the same job security and benefits, and their use is a frequent subject of debate regarding labor stability in the national health system.
Former Health Minister Manuel Pizarro has publicly stated that it is impossible for the Air Force to manage the national medical emergency helicopter service. Speaking before a parliamentary inquiry into the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM), Pizarro argued that the operation would require a level of staffing that the military cannot currently provide. He also criticized the handling of recent INEM strikes, claiming he had previously warned the current administration about the urgent need for a new tender.
INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica) is Portugal's national emergency medical service, responsible for coordinating and providing pre-hospital emergency care. It operates the country's emergency medical dispatch system, activated through the European emergency number 112.
INEM deploys ambulances (including basic and advanced life support units), medical helicopters (VMER), and motorcycle response units across Portugal. It also manages the CODU (Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes) — the emergency call centers that triage incoming 112 calls and dispatch the appropriate medical response.
INEM has faced persistent challenges including ambulance shortages, staffing gaps (particularly among emergency medical technicians), and long response times in rural areas. These issues have made INEM a frequent subject of political debate, with calls for better funding, improved working conditions, and expanded coverage. Residents should know that calling 112 connects to INEM's triage system, and knowing your exact location speeds up emergency response.
The General Inspectorate for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) has ordered dermatology teams at the Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon to return over 818,000 euros. The investigation concluded that these payments, made for additional surgeries between 2021 and 2025, were improper. The findings implicate several medical staff, including Miguel Alpalhão, and note that the authorizations were granted by board members serving during that period.
Miguel Alpalhão is a medical professional mentioned in the RTP report about dermatology at Hospital de Santa Maria; the article quotes him in connection with the hospital's request to return undue funds. Those relying on public healthcare should note his comments as part of a wider debate over hospital budgets and service organisation at Santa Maria that could affect dermatology appointments and waiting lists.
A court in Matosinhos has handed a three-year and six-month suspended prison sentence to a care home owner in Maia for the mistreatment of two elderly residents. The defendant is also required to pay 2,000 euros in compensation to each victim and is prohibited from working in the care sector.
Emergency services on the south bank of the Tagus are under pressure as the obstetrics and gynaecology department at Barreiro Hospital closes permanently this Wednesday. Patients are being redirected to hospitals in Almada and Setúbal, while staff at the Garcia de Orta Hospital report that rosters are at their limit. Meanwhile, Luís Duarte Costa has resigned as director of the Amadora-Sintra emergency department, citing the hospital's inability to transfer patients to wards due to a lack of beds.
The government has updated the payment rates for private providers contracted by the SNS to perform diagnostic and therapeutic exams. The Ministry of Health stated the measure aims to reduce access constraints for patients, specifically for ultrasounds and mammograms, and includes the introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis to the list of covered procedures.
Expenditure on temporary doctors, known as tarefeiros, reached 249.7 million euros in 2025, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) relies on these contracts to maintain emergency department operations, with the Algarve Local Health Unit reporting the highest costs.
Tarefeiros are temporary workers (trabalhadores a recibo verde) hired on a task-by-task basis to provide services to the public sector. Unlike permanent civil servants, they often lack the same job security and benefits, and their use is a frequent subject of debate regarding labor stability in the national health system.
Francisco Pinheiro Catalão has been sworn in as the new Secretary of State for Health Management. He succeeds Francisco Rocha Gonçalves, who was dismissed from the role at his own request.
Luís Duarte Costa has resigned as director of the General Emergency Service at the Amadora-Sintra Local Health Unit. He cited the failure to implement a plan to manage patients permanently admitted to the emergency department due to a lack of hospital beds and social cases as the primary reason for his departure.
Luís Duarte Costa is a medical doctor who serves as the president of the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine (Sociedade Portuguesa de Medicina Interna). He recently resigned from his position as director of the General Emergency Service at the Amadora-Sintra Local Health Unit due to disagreements over hospital management and patient care policies.
The Braga Hospital, a surgeon, and an insurance company have been ordered to pay 132,000 euros in damages to the parents of a 33-year-old patient who died following surgery. The court ruled that the surgeon failed to address post-operative complications, specifically an untreated abscess, which constituted medical malpractice.
The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) is investigating Eurico Castro Alves, the surgery director at Hospital de Santo António in Porto, for allegedly receiving 179,000 euros in irregular commissions. The payments were linked to surgeries performed outside normal working hours under the Integrated System for Management of Waiting Lists for Surgery (Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Inscritos para Cirurgia or SIGIC). While the IGAS report deems the payments irregular, both the doctor and the local health unit maintain that the compensation was legal.
IGAS is the Inspectorate-General for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS), the government body that inspects and audits public and private health services, investigates complaints and can recommend sanctions or changes. After reported failures in emergency care, IGAS can open inquiries, publish findings and advise the Ministry or the SNS on corrective measures; residents and patients can also file complaints that IGAS may investigate.
The Integrated Management System for Surgery (Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Inscritos para Cirurgia or SIGIC) is a national platform used to manage waiting lists for surgeries within the public health system. It tracks patient wait times and helps coordinate procedures between different public hospitals and private clinics to ensure patients receive care within established legal timeframes.
The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) is investigating a doctor from Benavente suspected of charging 1,000 euros to facilitate fraudulent disability pensions. Beneficiaries of the scheme may face criminal charges and be required to return funds received improperly from the state.
IGAS is the Inspectorate-General for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS), the government body that inspects and audits public and private health services, investigates complaints and can recommend sanctions or changes. After reported failures in emergency care, IGAS can open inquiries, publish findings and advise the Ministry or the SNS on corrective measures; residents and patients can also file complaints that IGAS may investigate.
Approximately 50 people demonstrated in front of the Ministry of Health in Lisbon this Saturday to demand the continuation of obstetric and gynecological emergency services. The protest, organized by the Movement of Users of Public Services, called for increased investment in the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS).
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
Patients at the Fernando da Fonseca Hospital in Amadora-Sintra have faced significant delays in the emergency department this week. Despite the end of the winter plan, urgent patients with yellow triage bracelets have waited nearly 13 hours for initial observation, while very urgent cases have faced waits exceeding four hours.
The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) has expanded the national vaccination program to include free HPV vaccines for women up to age 26. The initiative aims to reach individuals who missed the recommended vaccination age. Men remain eligible for the vaccine under the program until age 18.
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
A 42-year-old Belgian nurse was arrested by the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) on suspicion of sexually assaulting an anaesthetised patient at the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures. The Nursing Association (Ordem dos Enfermeiros) has requested the suspect's identification from the Public Prosecutor's Office to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
The Ordem dos Enfermeiros (Order of Nurses) is Portugal’s statutory professional body that registers and regulates nurses, sets professional standards, and handles discipline and professional conduct. Its warning about hiring limits matters because the Ordem represents the nursing workforce—restrictions on recruitment can worsen staff shortages and affect patient care, so expat nurses must be registered with the Ordem to practise and may be directly affected by any new hiring rules.
The government approved an increase in the funeral allowance for minors and people with disabilities, raising the benefit from approximately 268 euros to 1,611 euros. Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro stated the change corrects a discriminatory practice that previously limited reimbursement based on an individual's contributory career. The new amount is equivalent to three times the Social Support Index (Indexante de Apoios Sociais or IAS).
The IAS (Indexante dos Apoios Sociais) is the Social Support Index, a reference value used by the Portuguese government to calculate social benefits, pensions, and fines. It is adjusted annually based on economic growth and inflation to ensure social support payments remain aligned with the cost of living.
The Independent Doctors' Union (Sindicato Independente dos Médicos or SIM) has expressed significant reservations regarding the government's strategic plan for palliative care for 2025-2026. The union claims the plan lacks a clear impact and has demanded the urgent appointment of a national commission to oversee the sector. SIM representatives argue that the current strategy fails to address the practical needs of the healthcare system.
The Independent Doctors' Union (Sindicato Independente dos Médicos or SIM) is a labor organization that represents physicians in Portugal. It frequently negotiates with the government regarding working conditions, salary structures, and public health policy within the national health service.
Former National Institute of Emergency Medical Services (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Sérgio Janeiro testified that the emergency service constraints during late 2024 strikes were primarily caused by structural human resource deficits rather than the strike itself. Janeiro stated that minimum services were generally met, with only one shift failing to reach required staffing levels due to a reliance on overtime work.
Luís Cabral is the president of INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica), the agency that coordinates Portugal’s pre‑hospital emergency services and medical dispatch for 112 calls. In the recent story he said delays were caused by stretchers being held up in hospitals, which can tie up ambulances and reduce the system’s ability to respond to new emergencies.
Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins stated that the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) is currently providing its most intense response in both quality and quantity. The ministry reported that over 668,000 new users have registered in the system over the last three years.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) has issued a warning for poor air quality across mainland Portugal through Thursday. The alert is due to dust clouds arriving from North Africa, with authorities advising children and the elderly to take extra precautions.
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
Data from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE) shows that 39.4% of people aged 16 and over in Portugal reported symptoms of generalized anxiety in 2025. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, with women, the elderly, and the unemployed identified as the most affected groups. The report highlights that 11.3% of the population experienced severe symptoms.
INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística) is Portugal's official statistics office, responsible for collecting, processing, and publishing data on the economy, population, housing, employment, inflation, and social conditions.
Key INE publications include the Consumer Price Index (CPI), quarterly GDP figures, housing price indices, census data, and labor market statistics. These figures are widely used by policymakers, journalists, lenders, and international organizations to assess Portugal's economic and social trends.
INE data is publicly available at ine.pt, where users can access databases, press releases, and interactive tools covering everything from property prices to demographic shifts.
Private healthcare providers now perform nearly 40% of all medical procedures in Portugal, including surgeries and diagnostic exams, according to recent data. The federation representing these private entities describes their role as a structural network that complements the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). This collaboration includes approximately 150 million procedures contracted annually to support public health capacity.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
One in three patients suffering from depression in Portugal reports experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, according to recent data. Many of these individuals struggle to access necessary care due to limited capacity within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) and the high costs associated with private medical treatment.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
João Almeida Lopes, president of the Portuguese Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Associação Portuguesa da Indústria Farmacêutica or APIFARMA), warned that medicine prices may soon increase. He cited rising costs for transport and raw materials, alongside international economic pressures, as primary drivers for the potential adjustments.
APIFARMA (Associação Portuguesa da Indústria Farmacêutica) is the trade association representing the pharmaceutical industry in Portugal. It advocates for the interests of companies operating in the sector and engages with government officials regarding health policy and medication access.
