One in three patients suffering from depression in Portugal reports experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, according to recent data. Many of these individuals struggle to access necessary care due to limited capacity within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) and the high costs associated with private medical treatment.
High rates of suicidal thoughts among depression patients
Sunday, 5 April 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa) is Lisbon’s main public maternity centre and the busiest maternity within Portugal’s SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). For residents and expectant parents it is a key referral hospital for high‑risk pregnancies and neonatal care and often handles more births and complex cases than other public units.
