Government: Public health news in Portugal

The government has opened 332 medical vacancies in underserved geographical areas, offering increased incentives to attract staff. The positions include 109 for family doctors, 210 for hospital specialties, and 13 in public health, with the Amadora/Sintra Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde or ULS) receiving the highest number of family medicine openings.

New research from the Nova School of Business and Economics indicates that chronic diseases are increasing in Portugal and appearing at younger ages. The study highlights a disproportionate impact on the most economically disadvantaged citizens, who are experiencing more complex health outcomes.

The government has updated the payment rates for private providers contracted by the SNS to perform diagnostic and therapeutic exams. The Ministry of Health stated the measure aims to reduce access constraints for patients, specifically for ultrasounds and mammograms, and includes the introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis to the list of covered procedures.

The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) has expanded the national vaccination program to include free HPV vaccines for women up to age 26. The initiative aims to reach individuals who missed the recommended vaccination age. Men remain eligible for the vaccine under the program until age 18.

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.