The Executive Directorate has increased the maximum waiting time for very high-priority scheduled surgeries from 15 to 30 days. Health authorities claim this adjustment allows for a greater number of patients to be treated, though the National Medical Association (Ordem dos Médicos) and the National Federation of Doctors (Federação Nacional dos Médicos or FNAM) have expressed opposition to the change. Critics argue the policy facilitates patient transfers to the private sector without strengthening the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS).
Very high-priority surgery wait times extended to 30 days
Thursday, 2 April 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Ordem dos Médicos is Portugal’s professional medical association that registers doctors, enforces ethical rules and can discipline members. It issues formal opinions and can challenge health policies or laws, so its objections matter when a programme like the Waitlist Recovery Programme changes how patients are referred or treated.
FNAM is the National Federation of Doctors (Federação Nacional dos Médicos), a trade‑union and professional organisation that represents physicians across Portugal. It frequently engages in advocacy and legal actions — here it says it will ask the Ombudsman to request a constitutional review because it believes the regional emergency services statute harms doctors' work.
