The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) recorded 3,429 episodes of violence against healthcare professionals in 2025, a significant increase from 2,581 cases in 2024. According to data from the Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS), psychological aggression remains the most frequent form of abuse, leading to over 2,000 days of work absences.
Violence against health workers hits record high in 2025
Tuesday, 28 April 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
ULS Alto Ave is the Alto Ave Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave), a public body that runs hospitals and some primary-care services for the Ave area in northern Portugal. It is part of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), and recent staff strikes have affected overtime and complementary work, so residents should check local hospital notices before visiting.
