Survey-based reporting finds an increasing share of people no longer rely solely on the National Health Service and are turning to private healthcare providers; analysts say access difficulties in the SNS are a key driver and that wealthier patients who switch rarely return to public care. Residents who depend on the SNS should plan for longer waits for some services and weigh private options if timely access is critical.
More patients opting for private care as SNS access tightens
Tuesday, 13 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Nova SBE (Nova School of Business and Economics) is the business school of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, based in Carcavelos; it has a modern campus opened in 2018 and is one of Portugal’s leading business schools. Its surveys and research—like the healthcare access study cited in the news—are often used in public policy debates, so expats will see Nova SBE data quoted in media and policy discussions.
Portugal recently revised its return legislation to replace the phrase 'voluntary abandonment' with a formal 'duty to abandon', aligning national rules with EU return standards and making an obligation to leave explicit for third‑country nationals subject to removal decisions. For migrants this clarifies legal responsibilities and can affect the timing and procedures of removals, including when assisted or enforced return measures may be used.
