Expenditure on temporary doctors, known as tarefeiros, reached 249.7 million euros in 2025, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) relies on these contracts to maintain emergency department operations, with the Algarve Local Health Unit reporting the highest costs.
Spending on temporary doctors hits record 250 million euros
Tuesday, 14 April 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Tarefeiros are temporary workers (trabalhadores a recibo verde) hired on a task-by-task basis to provide services to the public sector. Unlike permanent civil servants, they often lack the same job security and benefits, and their use is a frequent subject of debate regarding labor stability in the national health system.
4 sources
- Spending on temporary doctors rises 17% to 250 millionObservador ·
- NHS: Expenditure on temporary doctors increased by 36 million euros in 2025Público ·
- National Health Service paid 249 million euros to temporary doctorsDiário de Notícias ·
- Diploma on social admissions could lead to a dispersion of resources, warns NHS directorRTP Notícias ·
