Former National Institute of Emergency Medical Services (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Sérgio Janeiro testified that the emergency service constraints during late 2024 strikes were primarily caused by structural human resource deficits rather than the strike itself. Janeiro stated that minimum services were generally met, with only one shift failing to reach required staffing levels due to a reliance on overtime work.

Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins stated that the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) is currently providing its most intense response in both quality and quantity. The ministry reported that over 668,000 new users have registered in the system over the last three years.

Private healthcare providers now perform nearly 40% of all medical procedures in Portugal, including surgeries and diagnostic exams, according to recent data. The federation representing these private entities describes their role as a structural network that complements the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). This collaboration includes approximately 150 million procedures contracted annually to support public health capacity.

The Executive Directorate has increased the maximum waiting time for very high-priority scheduled surgeries from 15 to 30 days. Health authorities claim this adjustment allows for a greater number of patients to be treated, though the National Medical Association (Ordem dos Médicos) and the National Federation of Doctors (Federação Nacional dos Médicos or FNAM) have expressed opposition to the change. Critics argue the policy facilitates patient transfers to the private sector without strengthening the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS).

The Executive Board of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) has rejected recommendations from the SINACC working group to shorten maximum response times for hospital appointments. The new regulations extend waiting periods for priority patients and omit a proposed seven-day triage window, drawing criticism from experts who warn of increased pressure on emergency departments. The SNS board maintains that the new rules are an improvement over previous legislation.

The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) performed more surgeries and consultations over the last two years, yet many patients still struggle to access care. Waiting lists have grown, and a significant number of residents remain without an assigned family doctor (médico de família). The data suggests that increased hospital productivity has not been enough to offset the rising demand for medical services.

The Ministry of Finance (Ministério das Finanças) and the Ministry of Health (Ministério da Saúde) announced a 1.23 billion euro injection to pay off debts within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). The funds are earmarked for Local Health Units (Unidades Locais de Saúde or ULS) and Oncology Institutes (Institutos Portugueses de Oncologia or IPO) to settle outstanding payments to private suppliers that are more than 60 days overdue. Health Minister Ana Paula Martins stated the measure is intended to ensure the financial sustainability of the public health system.

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins announced that a new regional emergency service (urgência regional) will open in the Setúbal Peninsula on April 15 to improve predictability in care. The announcement followed an incident where a woman gave birth in a hospital parking lot, which the minister cited as evidence that the current model is failing. Martins also admitted that legislative changes are being prepared to reduce waiting times for surgeries, particularly in cardiac specialties.

During a parliamentary inquiry, former National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Luís Meira testified that the government was aware of the deadlock regarding emergency helicopter tenders before the 2024 strike. Meira contradicted previous statements by the Health Ministry, claiming he provided multiple solutions that were ignored, leaving the institute without clear direction. Those relying on emergency services should note that the inquiry aims to address long-standing staffing and resource shortages.

Update: INEM seeks nearly €1 million in penalties from helicopter provider

INEM intends to fine Gulf Med Aviation Services 926,000 euros for delays and aircraft unavailability during its temporary contract in late 2025. While the company disputes the legitimacy of the fine, the institute maintains the penalties are necessary to address operational failures in the air emergency service (Serviço de Helicópteros de Emergência Médica). Those relying on public healthcare should note that these penalties relate to service gaps that occurred during a period of transition between providers.

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins announced that the government will not meet its goal of assigning a family doctor (médico de família) to every resident by 2027. The minister attributed the delay to a complex situation where new registrations for the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) are occurring daily, outstripping the recruitment of medical staff. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware that the government no longer has a fixed deadline for universal family doctor coverage.

A new centralized obstetrics and gynecology emergency service (urgência regional de obstetrícia e ginecologia) will begin operating on April 15 across the Setúbal Peninsula. The service will be split between hubs at the Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada and the São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal, while the emergency unit at Barreiro will close. Residents in the region should be aware that while emergency services are consolidating, scheduled maternity care will continue at all local hospitals.

National Health Service (SNS) hospitals performed a record 22,000 caesarean sections (cesarianas) in 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year. The highest rates were recorded in the North and Alentejo regions, where a shortage of obstetricians (obstetras) is reportedly influencing clinical decisions. Health officials note that while some cases are medically necessary, the rising trend is a concern for public health standards. Expectant parents using the public system should discuss birth plans with their medical teams early in the pregnancy.

A group of 13 mayors from the Lisbon and Setúbal regions are requesting urgent parliamentary hearings to oppose the centralization of gynaecology and obstetrics emergency departments (urgências). The government plan involves closing local units in Barreiro and Vila Franca de Xira to consolidate services in larger regional hospitals like Almada and Loures. Residents in the affected areas should be aware that local leaders warn these closures will increase travel times and risks for expectant mothers.

A report from the Inspector-General of Health (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde) states that the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) was unprepared to handle unforeseen events during recent strikes. The investigation found that while INEM had prior knowledge of the labor actions, it failed to organize an adequate response to maintain emergency services. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware of these identified organizational weaknesses during periods of industrial action.

The Health Regulatory Entity (Entidade Reguladora da Saúde or ERS) has identified significant regional imbalances in access to healthcare across Portugal. A new report found that 12 out of 39 Local Health Units (Unidades Locais de Saúde or ULS) suffer from a low ratio of doctors and nurses relative to the population. SNS patients in the interior, Alto Alentejo, and Nordeste regions are most likely to face service limitations due to these shortages.

The first regional emergency department (urgência regional) has opened in Loures to handle obstetric cases following the permanent closure of the emergency unit in Vila Franca de Xira. While the move aims to consolidate resources, critics warn that the new system may not solve underlying staff shortages within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). Pregnant women from five surrounding municipalities will now be redirected to the Loures facility. Those relying on public healthcare in the region should be aware of these service changes.

The National Authority for Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed) is evaluating whether the state will pay for a new brain cancer drug called Voranigo. The evaluation follows a rejected special authorization request for a 35-year-old patient, though the agency is now considering a more general approval for use in public hospitals. Patients and families should note that the drug targets specific gliomas and has already been approved for use in other jurisdictions.

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.

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.

A Dinheiro Vivo analysis argues the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) needs a predictable, result-focused organisation, with Reference Centres and Hospital Referral Networks forming a structural pillar of quality and safety. The piece says formal universal access alone is not enough: without properly organised referral pathways and specialised centres, patient outcomes and system reliability suffer. The article highlights ongoing debates over how to structure specialised care in Portugal and how to measure results. Those who rely on the SNS should watch for administrative changes that could affect where and how specialised care is referred.

Local leaders in the Alentejo Litoral region, led by Vítor Proença of CIMAL (Comunidade Intermunicipal do Alentejo Litoral), have raised concerns about the 'dehumanisation' of services at the Hospital do Litoral Alentejano, citing reports of inadequate care for elderly and vulnerable patients. A meeting of municipalities and social institutions sought solutions and pledged coordinated action to improve care standards. Residents in the Alentejo Litoral should watch for local measures and any service reorganisations announced by municipal authorities.

Hundreds of citizens, local mayors and health professionals from the Litoral Alentejano demonstrated in Lisbon with Comissões de Utentes calling for more doctors and nurses, improved hospitals and renovated health centres (centros de saúde). Protesters cited shortages of family doctors, degraded facilities and long waiting times that strain patient care. Residents of the Litoral Alentejano should track local service announcements and consider alternatives if they rely on limited primary care capacity.

Commissions of users (Comissões de Utentes) and hundreds of citizens, local mayors and health professionals held a demonstration in Lisbon calling for more doctors, nurses and better hospital and primary care facilities for the Litoral Alentejano. The local council (Câmara Municipal de Santiago do Cacém) highlighted shortages of family doctors, degraded facilities and long waits as driving the protests. Those living in the region should follow local service announcements and user-committee campaigns for practical updates on staffing and clinic hours.

The Health Regulatory Entity (Entidade Reguladora da Saúde) has opened an evaluation into alleged constraints on access to cardiac surgery for users of the National Health Service, the authority confirmed. The move follows pressure from the Medical Association, which has asked authorities to check whether waiting delays led to deaths; the regulator says it will investigate the situation in more detail. Patients on cardiac surgery waiting lists and those using the SNS should watch for official findings and any hospital notices.

Power outages around Monte Redondo, in the Leiria district, are conditioning access to healthcare: a local clinic has reverted to handwritten prescriptions and services are operating with limits, RTP reports. The disruption follows recent electrical-network failures linked to bad weather and has forced some patients to change plans or seek alternative providers. Those in the area should call ahead to clinics or health posts and keep written prescriptions if a pharmacy visit is needed.

The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has promulgated a decree from the Assembly establishing an extraordinary process to clear pending cases at medical boards that assess incapacity, RTP and Correio da Manhã report. The move aims to reduce long delays for incapacity decisions and speed up benefit or employment-related outcomes for affected people. Those awaiting medical-board (juntas médicas) rulings should track notices from the health ministry and the boards handling their case.

Spending on Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation rose to €179.6 million in 2024, an increase of about 59% since 2021, the Entidade Reguladora da Saúde (ERS) reports. Público highlights that the rise in expenditure has not matched an expansion in contracted conventional supply, leaving gaps between demand and available services. Patients needing rehabilitation should expect waits and check availability at local health units; those relying on SNS services should ask their GP about public or contracted options.

Público reports that a disused school in the Cerco area, closed to the public since 2023 because of drug-related problems, is being refurbished and repurposed as a local health unit (unidade local de saúde). The project aims to restore access to services in the neighbourhood while addressing safety concerns that had blocked entry. The conversion could improve nearby primary-care access and outreach for vulnerable residents. Those living near Cerco and users of local health services should watch for announcements about opening dates and available services.

Update: Refurbished pavilion will join existing health services

Público says the Porto council approved rehabilitation of the third pavilion of the former school; the refurbished space will join the Family Health Unit (Unidade de Saúde Familiar) Novo Sentido and the Community Care Unit (Unidade de Cuidados na Comunidade) already operating on the same complex, boosting local primary-care capacity.

RTP reports the new Waitlist Recovery Programme in Healthcare has sparked criticism from hospital managers who say the law restricts referrals and may violate patient rights, arguing it stops private-sector doctors from referring patients to public hospitals where they also work. The dispute centres on how cross-sector referrals will operate under the programme and whether it will slow patient flow rather than speed up access. Patients who use both private and public providers should check with their doctors and hospital administrations about referral rules and appointments. Those relying on mixed public-private care should monitor communications from their provider.

Update: Managers say law bars private-to-public referrals

RTP reports hospital managers say the Waitlist Recovery Programme prevents private-sector doctors from referring patients to public hospitals where they also practise, and they argue the restriction could breach patient rights and slow rather than speed access to care.

The Ordem dos Médicos warns that a 2025 portaria that set the cost-sharing regime has restricted prescriptions of certain diabetes medications and glucose sensors to specialists, creating “unnecessary barriers” and organisational strain in an already pressured system, Público and Correio da Manhã report. The medical body says limiting prescriptions to specialists in areas such as endocrinology and nutrition risks delaying access for patients who now must see specific consultants. Patients using sensors or new diabetes drugs should check plans with their GP and diabetes care team about local referral routes. Those managing diabetes in Portugal should monitor guidance from their clinic or health centre.

Update: Ordinance No. 170/2025/1 cited in warning

Diário de Notícias and Público identify the measure as Ordinance No. 170/2025/1, saying it confines prescriptions for certain glucose sensors and newer diabetes drugs to a narrow set of specialties (including endocrinology and nutrition), which the Ordem dos Médicos says could delay access and create organisational strain even if the rule aims to control spending.

Patients treated for cancer at Braga Hospital are reporting shortages of essential medications, according to Correio da Manhã and Observador. Hospital users and patient groups say missing drugs are disrupting scheduled treatments; hospital or regional health authorities have not published a full response in these reports. Oncology patients should contact their clinic or prescribing doctor before appointments and consider arranging alternatives or prescriptions through their pharmacy if advised. Those treated in Braga should keep a record of prescriptions and follow up with the hospital's patient support services.

Update: Hospital denies shortages; complaints continue

Diário de Notícias, Público and Observador report the hospital administration denies any “ruptura de fármacos,” saying there is no stock break and that staff are applying a “gestão criteriosa” to manage quantities delivered. The Health Users Commission of Braga (Comissão de Utentes da Saúde de Braga) says it has received multiple complaints from chemotherapy patients since 12 February who say they lacked medicines. The two sides contradict each other and health authorities have not published a joint inventory, so the exact scale of any shortage remains unclear.

The Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine presented a hospital reform plan to the government, saying rising demand for consultations and surgeries has increased waiting lists and strained the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), CNN Portugal reports. The proposal includes hospital reorganisation and greater collaboration between specialties to cope with crisis phases and higher caseloads. Patients on waiting lists should follow communications from their hospital or primary care unit about scheduling and prioritisation.

Update: Presenter names rising demand as main cause

CNN Portugal quotes António Martins Baptista of the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine, who said the increase in consultations and surgeries is a main driver of longer waiting lists and presented reorganisation and cross-specialty collaboration as remedies.

The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has proposed regulating health cards to stop firms marketing simple discount cards as 'health plans' or insurance, sources report. The proposals would bar advertising that presents cards granting discounts for consultations, medicine delivery, ambulance transport or phone clinical advice as full insurance, aiming to reduce consumer confusion. Consumers who hold or are offered such cards — called health cards (cartões de saúde) — should review contract terms and any coverage limits. Those comparing private options should check whether a product is an insurance policy or a discount card.

Update: PS seeks ban on misleading health-card adverts

Correio da Manhã, Observador and Público report the PS wants a legal prohibition on advertising that presents discount “health cards” (cartões de saúde) as full “planos de saúde” or "seguros de saúde*. The outlets list the common services involved — consultations, medicine delivery, ambulance transport and phone clinical advice — as the kinds of offers PS says must not be marketed as equivalent to insurance.

Update: PS repeats call for legal ban on adverts

Correio da Manhã, Observador and Público reiterate the PS position: the party is seeking a legal prohibition on adverts that market discount cartões de saúde as planos de saúde or seguros de saúde, listing consultations, medicine delivery, ambulance transport and phone clinical advice as typical services that should not be presented as full insurance.