The Health Regulatory Entity (Entidade Reguladora da Saúde) has opened an evaluation into alleged constraints on access to cardiac surgery for users of the National Health Service, the authority confirmed. The move follows pressure from the Medical Association, which has asked authorities to check whether waiting delays led to deaths; the regulator says it will investigate the situation in more detail. Patients on cardiac surgery waiting lists and those using the SNS should watch for official findings and any hospital notices.
Regulator opens probe into cardiac surgery access
Wednesday, 25 February 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The ERS (Entidade Reguladora da Saúde) is Portugal's independent health regulator, responsible for overseeing the quality, access, and safety of healthcare services provided by both public and private providers.
The ERS monitors compliance with patients' rights, investigates complaints, and can issue warnings, recommendations, or sanctions when healthcare standards are not met. It publishes reports on waiting times, diagnostic delays, and access to care that often drive public debate about the state of Portugal's health system.
For residents, the ERS is the body to contact with complaints about healthcare services — whether delays in treatment, quality concerns, or issues with access to the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS) or private providers.
