Latest news and stories about medical services in government in Portugal for expats and residents.
A report by the health regulator highlights that while NHS care coordination has improved, significant challenges remain, including doctor shortages, long wait times, and persistent regional inequalities across local health units.
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 ERS is the Health Regulatory Authority (Entidade Reguladora da Saúde), an independent regulator that oversees quality, access and compliance for public and private health providers in Portugal. Its warnings matter because they can trigger inspections or corrective measures, inform patients about service shortfalls and influence how the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) and private hospitals manage waiting lists for diagnostic tests.
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 Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures launches the first regional gynaecology and obstetrics emergency department, operating 24/7 to address healthcare staffing shortages.
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.
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.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
Fernando Araújo is a physician and the former Executive Director of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), a position he held until mid-2024. He was responsible for the Local Health Units (Unidades Locais de Saúde) reform, which integrated hospital and primary care services to improve efficiency. SNS patients should note that his public criticisms often highlight ongoing issues with emergency room wait times and medical staffing.
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.
The Central Administration of the Health System (Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde or ACSS) is updating its records to ensure that public health resources are allocated to those who actually need them. This process involves removing inactive users from lists to better reflect the current population using the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). SNS patients should be aware that accurate registration is necessary to maintain access to primary care (cuidados de saúde primários).
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.
The Directorate-General for Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal’s national public health authority that issues guidance on disease control, health alerts and safety of food and water. After Storm Kristin it advised boiling or using bottled water if contamination is suspected, discarding food exposed to floodwater and keeping good hygiene when cleaning affected areas, guidance that residents and recovery workers should follow.
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.
Ana Paula Martins is Portugal's Health Minister (Ministra da Saúde), and in this story she expressed concern about 'untruths' circulating regarding the National Health Service. She also said that waiting times for initial assessments during the current flu season have fallen this year, a point meant to reassure patients relying on public care.
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.
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.
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, the Minister of Finance, was admitted to Santa Maria Hospital this morning after experiencing symptoms of a suspected stroke. Tests have ruled out a stroke, confirming he suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). He will remain under medical observation in the neurology department for 24 hours.
Update: Minister's Condition and Hospital Stay The Minister of Finance, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, is currently under observation at Santa Maria Hospital following a suspected TIA. He was admitted after feeling unwell and has missed a conference at the Bank of Fomento due to his condition.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has enacted a decree to address significant delays in medical board assessments for disability, highlighting the urgency of the situation with tens of thousands of pending cases and unacceptable waiting times.
The old Cerco School, previously inaccessible due to drug-related issues, is being repurposed into a local health unit, marking a significant shift towards improving community health and safety.
Braga Hospital has denied allegations of medication shortages for cancer patients, stating that the situation is due to careful management of medication quantities. Despite complaints from patients undergoing chemotherapy about not receiving necessary medications, the hospital insists there is no shortage and that patients have been referred to community pharmacies for their needs. The Health Users Commission of Braga is demanding clarification and has plans to escalate the issue to higher authorities.
A public procurement process has been launched to build the new Central Hospital of the Algarve in Parque da Cidades, adjacent to the Algarve Stadium. The competitive tender marks a major step towards expanding regional healthcare capacity and modernising medical infrastructure. Located in a strategic urban area, the project is likely to strengthen access to a wider range of medical services for local residents and the expatriate community, attract investment and create construction and long-term healthcare jobs. Key issues to monitor include the procurement timeline, budget and financing structure, service mix and potential impacts on existing facilities and regional healthcare planning.
The Socialist Party (PS) has tabled a bill to regulate health discount cards after MP Miguel Costa Matos warned consumers are confusing these cards with health insurance. The proposal would force advertisers to include a clear disclaimer — “this product is not a health insurance nor does it replace health insurance” — aiming to reduce misleading marketing and clarify the difference between discount plans and regulated insurance products. The move frames the health-card market as an unregulated sector requiring consumer-protection measures and clearer rules for advertising and service claims.
The sustainability of health systems necessitates proactive government measures that extend beyond immediate responses, addressing structural challenges and acknowledging health as a vital infrastructure for the nation.
