Health Minister Ana Paula Martins announced that the government will not meet its goal of assigning a family doctor (médico de família) to every resident by 2027. The minister attributed the delay to a complex situation where new registrations for the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) are occurring daily, outstripping the recruitment of medical staff. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware that the government no longer has a fixed deadline for universal family doctor coverage.
Government admits 2027 family doctor target will be missed
Wednesday, 25 March 2026AI summary
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.
