The Minister of Health has approved a new gynaecology and obstetrics network to manage complex cases, while addressing critical staffing shortages in hospitals like Setúbal, Vila Franca de Xira, and Almada.

A new gynaecology and obstetrics referral network is being implemented in Portugal, centralising patient flow to Loures while highlighting critical staffing shortages across multiple regional hospitals.

A parliamentary inquiry into the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) revealed that many staff had already exceeded the legal limit of 150 overtime hours before the 2024 strike. Former head of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) Fernando Araújo testified that there has been a lack of political accountability for the crisis. The inquiry is investigating the breakdown of emergency services during the industrial action. Those relying on emergency services should note that the system remains under significant strain.

Users who have no contact with the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) may lose their assigned family doctor (médico de família) starting in June. Separately, health officials are warning foreign mothers to prioritize prenatal care following a report on fetal mortality rates. The National Health Council (Conselho Nacional de Saúde or CNS) also warned that service cuts are already occurring across the country despite growing demand. SNS patients should be aware that regular contact with their health unit is necessary to maintain their registration.

Data indicates that infant mortality rates during pregnancy and the first year of life are higher for children of foreign mothers compared to Portuguese mothers, prompting calls for improved healthcare integration and outreach.

The Central Administration of the Health System (Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde or ACSS) clarified that new registration rules for primary care will not result in patients losing access to the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). The update aims to clean up patient lists that do not reflect reality and ensure family doctors (médicos de família) can focus on those needing regular care. SNS patients should be aware that these administrative changes are intended to improve service efficiency rather than restrict care.

A new report from the Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) shows an increase in fetal and infant mortality rates across Portugal in 2024. The fetal mortality rate rose to 4.1 per 1,000 births, while infant mortality reached 3.0 per 1,000 live births. Parents and expectant families should note that the DGS is calling for strengthened prevention strategies to address these complex social and health trends.

Update: Maternal age linked to increased risk in new report

New data from the DGS reveals that more than half of maternal deaths recorded between 2020 and 2024 occurred in women aged 35 or older. The report confirms that 61.8% of these deaths involved pregnancies considered to be at higher risk due to age. Expectant mothers over 35 should be aware that health authorities are emphasizing the need for closer monitoring during and after pregnancy.

A new regional emergency service (serviço de urgência) for obstetrics and gynaecology opens Monday at the Beatriz ngelo Hospital in Loures. The unit aims to centralize care and improve safety for patients from Odivelas to Benavente as the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) struggles with staffing. Those in the Setbal Peninsula should note that a similar centralized model is planned for their region to address unsustainable weekend closures.

Update: Doctors warn Loures emergency unit lacks staff for expansion

Doctors at Hospital Beatriz ngelo warn that integrating patients from Vila Franca de Xira on March 16 lacks necessary reinforcements. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, stated that the new unit in Almada will only open once medical rosters are fully completed.

The new President took office in Belém, emphasizing the need for national stability while highlighting critical challenges including an ageing population, healthcare and housing deficits, and a slow judicial system.

António José Seguro, in his inaugural address as President of the Republic, called for cross-party cooperation to ensure political stability and avoid frequent parliamentary dissolutions, while proposing national pacts on healthcare, housing, and economic growth.

In 2025, infant mortality rates in Portugal have stabilized, yet certain municipalities exhibit alarming statistics that resemble those found in poorer countries. This raises concerns about healthcare policies and public safety measures in these areas.

António José Seguro, set to assume the presidency, prioritizes health in his first year and has indicated he will veto any labor legislation changes proposed by the government if they lack consensus in Social Concertation.

The coordinator of the Common Front criticized the failure to ensure minimum services during the INEM strike, attributing the issue to confusion among authorities. He highlighted that while some workers are putting in extra effort to maintain normal operations, the underlying problem remains a shortage of personnel. The Common Front is set to meet with the Ministry of Health to discuss the ongoing staffing issues and seek solutions.

The article discusses the necessity for the State to increase funding for the social sector to adequately address the costs associated with an aging population, ensuring universal access to care for all individuals.

The article advocates for equitable access to biologic treatments for patients with severe asthma, emphasizing the need to update Ordinance No. 261/2024/1 to ensure that these patients receive the same level of care as those with other chronic conditions. It frames this issue as an ethical and social imperative, highlighting the injustice faced by asthma patients in accessing necessary medical treatments.

Experts and patients are urging the Portuguese government to take decisive action against the growing obesity crisis, which currently impacts approximately two million adults in the country. They emphasize the need for effective policies and healthcare measures to address this public health issue.

Mayors in Barreiro are opposing the closure of the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit, citing that over 16,000 births have occurred there between 2014 and 2024. They find the decision to close the unit incomprehensible, especially in light of ongoing healthcare challenges, such as ambulances being held for hours at other emergency departments due to high patient volumes.

Five mayors from municipalities served by the Vila Franca de Xira Hospital are taking action against the closure of emergency services. They plan to submit a petition and send a letter to the Minister of Health to express their outrage over the decision, highlighting concerns about public safety and healthcare access.

Update: Mayors to Address Parliament In addition to a petition, the five mayors will also take their concerns to Parliament, seeking to raise awareness and garner support against the closure of emergency services at the Vila Franca de Xira Hospital.

The article discusses concerns regarding the dehumanization of healthcare services in the Alentejo Litoral region of Portugal, as highlighted by Vítor Proença, President of CIMAL. During a meeting with local municipalities and social institutions, Proença expressed alarm over reports of inadequate care at the Hospital do Litoral Alentejano, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and sick. The meeting aimed to address these issues as part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare in the region. Proença emphasized the importance of understanding local experiences to formulate effective proposals for improving health services.

The article discusses health issues in the Litoral Alentejano region, focusing on the fight for better conditions in the sector. It highlights a demonstration in Lisbon by User Committees, attended by hundreds of citizens, local officials, and health professionals, demanding more doctors, nurses, and improvements in hospital facilities and health centers. The region faces challenges such as a shortage of family doctors, deteriorating facilities, and long waiting times in various specialties. Additionally, the Litoral Alentejano Hospital requires more human resources, particularly nurses, to open new emergency services and ensure adequate care. The document also mentions the population served by the Local Health Unit of Litoral Alentejano, which covers about 100,000 inhabitants. Besides health issues, the text highlights cultural events, exhibitions, festivals, educational activities, and leisure in the region, reflecting an active cultural and social agenda.

The recent dispatch signed by Health and Health Management Secretaries has sparked controversy as it paves the way for establishing a Cardiac Surgery Unit at the Local Health Unit (ULS) of Santo António in Porto. This decision has raised questions regarding healthcare policy and resource allocation in the region.

The Secretary of State for Health has signed an order that supports the establishment of a Surgery Unit at Hospital de Santo António, where she has previously worked and maintains connections. This decision highlights the ongoing relationship between healthcare policy and the officials who influence it.

The establishment of a new hospital in the Litoral Alentejano region is presented as both a strategic decision and a necessary ethical and social obligation. The region faces significant healthcare challenges, including a shortage of family doctors, deteriorating facilities, and long wait times for various medical specialties. Recent protests have highlighted the demand for more healthcare professionals and improved hospital conditions. Additionally, the local health unit is working to enhance medical specialties and services, reflecting a commitment to better healthcare and community engagement in the region.

The National Health Service (SNS) in Portugal is facing a significant financial crisis, with a reported negative balance of 1.035 billion euros and a debt to external suppliers of 1.510 billion euros. Despite an increase in consultations and surgeries, waiting lists are growing, and more patients are without family doctors. The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, has not addressed how state policies contribute to the decline of public health services, particularly through tax deductions for private health services. This system encourages the use of private healthcare, undermining public services and leading to a financial strain on the SNS. The article raises critical questions about the sustainability of public health funding and the fairness of tax policies that benefit private healthcare users at the expense of those relying solely on public services.