The Lisboeta

Health minister denies SNS chaos, says waits have fallen

Monday, 19 January 2026AI summary
Health minister denies SNS chaos, says waits have fallen

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins rejected claims of 'chaos' in the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), saying she regrets 'untruths' circulating about the system and that waiting time for initial assessments during the flu epidemic has decreased. She acknowledged problems and criticism but insisted she will not give up and advocates persisting with current measures. Those using public healthcare should expect continued pressure on services during seasonal peaks and keep appointments and referrals under review with their local health unit.

Context & Explainers

Ana Paula Martins is Portugal's Health Minister (Ministra da Saúde), and in this story she expressed concern about 'untruths' circulating regarding the National Health Service. She also said that waiting times for initial assessments during the current flu season have fallen this year, a point meant to reassure patients relying on public care.

ANA is the company that operates and manages most of Portugal’s major airports; its formal name is ANA — Aeroportos de Portugal (Airports of Portugal), and it is run under a long-term concession by VINCI Airports. ANA handles planning, infrastructure and regulatory steps — for example, it delivered the first environmental report in the licensing process for the proposed Luís de Camões Airport, a key procedural milestone for that project.

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