A new index from the association Equalmed finds Portugal spends the least on pharmaceuticals per citizen among its reference countries and has the lowest equity in access to medicines; the report estimates about 1,577 potentially avoidable deaths annually if Portugal matched France’s access level. The coverage also notes Portuguese households pay a high share of medicine costs out of pocket and that barriers leave serious gaps in availability. The findings come from the Index of Equity in Access to Medication compiled by Equalmed and were reported across national outlets. Those with chronic conditions or who regularly buy prescriptions should check cost‑sharing rules and ask their GP about alternatives.