National surveillance shows fewer influenza cases and a drop in intensive‑care admissions, according to the public health institute Dr Ricardo Jorge (Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge). However, authorities warn that overall 'excess mortality' remains above typical seasonal levels, indicating the picture is improving but still worrying in aggregate. Those relying on public healthcare should remain vigilant for local updates and follow NHS guidance if they become ill.

Bloco de Esquerda has asked for an urgent hearing with the Interior Ministry after reports of alleged police violence at the Rato police station; parties are seeking ministerial answers and potential oversight measures. Media coverage highlights political pressure on the Ministério da Administração Interna (MAI) to explain events and any disciplinary steps. Those concerned about policing and civil‑liberties oversight should follow parliamentary developments and local reporting.

Despite repeated technical assessments, confirmed financial capacity and clear structural proposals, the SNS and INEM keep failing to deliver timely emergency responses. This analysis points to implementation gaps — weak governance, fragmented coordination between national and regional bodies, staffing shortages and poor resource allocation — rather than lack of solutions; the result is delayed care that harms patients (including expats) and undermines public wellbeing. Addressing the problem requires transparent accountability, an independent audit of operational bottlenecks, data-driven redistribution of resources and political commitment to implement already-defined reforms.

A Nova SBE survey shows the share of people using a private GP climbed from 11.8% in 2023 to 15.5% in 2025, while the share saying they rely exclusively on the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) fell from 90% to 82% over three years. Observers say rising private demand reflects pressure on public services and waiting times, and could mean more residents choose private clinics for continuity of care. Patients considering private options should compare costs, contracts and whether their insurance covers consultations.

A study from Nova SBE finds 51.85% of respondents said they had self-medicated at some point, with higher rates among young people, those with more education and people without a family doctor (médico de família). Researchers warn self-medication is commonly used for mental-health issues and can be risky for people with chronic conditions if not discussed with a clinician. Those relying on regular prescriptions should ensure continuity with a registered family doctor and bring medication lists to appointments.

A new report finds episodes of illness rising particularly among younger people in Portugal, contributing to an overall increase in the number of people falling ill while persistent barriers to accessing the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) remain high. The data suggest growing pressure on primary and urgent care, uneven access driven by geographic, capacity and administrative constraints, and possible underlying drivers such as changing infection patterns, mental‑health needs and disruptions to routine care. The report calls for targeted policy responses to expand capacity, improve outreach to younger cohorts and reduce practical barriers to care, and for more granular analysis to identify regional and demographic causes.

Portugal’s Judicial Police (PJ) has launched a first-of-its-kind campaign to tackle online radicalisation among young people, aiming to alert schools and families to warning signs, raise awareness, prevent recruitment and disrupt extremist influence across digital platforms. The initiative is framed as a preventive, educational and investigative effort combining outreach to educators and parents with targeted policing online. Separately, The Guardian reports heightened international tensions as former US President Trump is reported to be considering military options against Iran following a violent crackdown, underscoring how domestic efforts to shield youth from radicalisation sit alongside broader geopolitical risks.

Rising influenza activity is increasing admissions to intensive care and placing growing pressure on emergency departments. Health authorities warn the epidemic has not yet peaked, and the country is experiencing higher-than-expected mortality for the season, raising concerns about healthcare capacity and the potential need for surge planning and resource prioritisation.

Beja Hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology emergency service will be closed overnight due to a shortage of doctors, operating from 20:00 on Saturday until 08:00 on Sunday and again from 20:00 on Sunday until 08:00 on Monday. The closures are attributed to an inability to complete the rota, raising concerns about patient access to urgent maternity and gynaecological care and potential pressure on neighbouring services. An accompanying opinion notes systemic failings in emergency logistics — exemplified by ambulances held up by missing stretchers — as symptomatic of wider incompetence in healthcare operations.

Almost a year after the minister warned of unacceptable A&E waiting times, there has been no meaningful improvement. Persistent delays point to systemic strain on emergency services, heighten risks to patient safety and wellbeing, and indicate a need for urgent policy and resource interventions rather than repeated warnings.

In this analytical opinion piece Miguel Esteves Cardoso contends that our bodies often cope and recover on their own. He examines tendencies to overreact and overmedicalise everyday symptoms, arguing for measured self-care, patience and perspective—an approach especially pertinent to expatriates adjusting to different health norms.

CTT said the suspension of the reimbursement service for the Mobility Allowance for residents in the Azores and Madeira is due to 'reasons beyond the company's control'.

This analytical piece urges readers to adopt an optimistic stance for the new year and to move past complaints about the recent increase in the retirement age. It explains that demographic shifts and the strain on social security systems underpin the policy change, outlines labour and legal implications for workers — including expatriates — and argues that better communication, phased implementation, retraining and age-friendly workplace measures would protect wellbeing while ensuring fiscal sustainability.