Health: Public safety news in Portugal

The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) recorded 3,429 episodes of violence against healthcare professionals in 2025, a significant increase from 2,581 cases in 2024. According to data from the Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS), psychological aggression remains the most frequent form of abuse, leading to over 2,000 days of work absences.

The Aedes albopictus mosquito, known for transmitting diseases like dengue and Zika, has expanded its presence to 28 municipalities across Portugal, an increase of ten from 2024. Recent data from the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge or INSA) confirms new detections in Lisbon, Oeiras, Almada, and Sesimbra.

The Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa) coordinated the medical evacuation of a 76-year-old American woman from a cruise ship west of the Azores archipelago. The rescue operation, initiated on Friday, resulted in the patient being transported to a hospital in Ponta Delgada for treatment.

The widow of a man who died in Pombal during a strike by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) testified before a parliamentary inquiry committee. She criticized the lack of minimum services during the walkout and demanded accountability for the delayed emergency response. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) is seeking legal opinions regarding the potential recall of INEM official Cristina Vaz Tomé.

A Portuguese psychiatrist previously convicted in Sweden for child pornography continues to see patients in Portugal despite having his Swedish medical license revoked. Authorities discovered 39 devices containing illegal files during an investigation in Sweden, leading to a prison sentence. Although Swedish authorities notified the internal market information system, the doctor remains active in the Portuguese medical system.

The Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) has unanimously voted to terminate its cooperation agreement with the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM). The decision follows a 20 million euro debt owed to the firefighters for pre-hospital services. The termination will take effect 120 days after formal notification, potentially impacting emergency response services.

Update: Government promises solution for INEM debt to firefighters

Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves promised this Saturday that the government will find a solution in the coming days to resolve the outstanding payments. INEM acknowledged the debt, citing a need for budgetary reinforcement, and assured that emergency services will not be interrupted during the transition.

The General Inspectorate for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) has ordered dermatology teams at the Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon to return over 818,000 euros. The investigation concluded that these payments, made for additional surgeries between 2021 and 2025, were improper. The findings implicate several medical staff, including Miguel Alpalhão, and note that the authorizations were granted by board members serving during that period.

The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) is investigating Eurico Castro Alves, the surgery director at Hospital de Santo António in Porto, for allegedly receiving 179,000 euros in irregular commissions. The payments were linked to surgeries performed outside normal working hours under the Integrated System for Management of Waiting Lists for Surgery (Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Inscritos para Cirurgia or SIGIC). While the IGAS report deems the payments irregular, both the doctor and the local health unit maintain that the compensation was legal.

Approximately 50 people demonstrated in front of the Ministry of Health in Lisbon this Saturday to demand the continuation of obstetric and gynecological emergency services. The protest, organized by the Movement of Users of Public Services, called for increased investment in the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS).

A 42-year-old Belgian nurse was arrested by the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) on suspicion of sexually assaulting an anaesthetised patient at the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures. The Nursing Association (Ordem dos Enfermeiros) has requested the suspect's identification from the Public Prosecutor's Office to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

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.

The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) has issued a warning for poor air quality across mainland Portugal through Thursday. The alert is due to dust clouds arriving from North Africa, with authorities advising children and the elderly to take extra precautions.

João Almeida Lopes, president of the Portuguese Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Associação Portuguesa da Indústria Farmacêutica or APIFARMA), warned that medicine prices may soon increase. He cited rising costs for transport and raw materials, alongside international economic pressures, as primary drivers for the potential adjustments.

The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) is facing criticism over claims that some staff are operating emergency vehicles without updated driving training. Former officials also allege that a lack of investment and disputes over helicopter service contracts have compromised the quality of care. These internal conflicts led some candidates to refuse leadership roles within the agency last year. Those requiring emergency medical assistance should be aware of potential service delays during ongoing labor disputes.

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.

The Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) has requested emergency meetings with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. The group warns that rising fuel costs and inadequate state payments for patient transport are compromising their ability to respond to emergencies. Those relying on emergency services should be aware that the LBP is seeking an immediate renegotiation of contracts with the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM).

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.

Correio da Manhã reports that while Portugal's national infant mortality rate stabilised in 2025, several municipalities — notably in the Algarve and Greater Lisbon — recorded infant mortality levels comparable to much poorer countries. The paper says rates rose in 2024 then stabilised last year, and it highlights local variations rather than a uniform national trend. Parents and residents in affected municipalities (concelhos) should follow local health-service information and regional initiatives addressing neonatal care.

Recent reporting indicates flu vaccination coverage among people over 65 in Portugal is slightly below the World Health Organization’s target level. Health commentators say the shortfall could affect winter pressures on hospitals if uptake does not improve. Those aged 65 and over, and carers, should check local vaccination availability and follow public‑health guidance for seasonal flu protection.

Reports say minimum services during the INEM strike were not assured because of confusion between the ministry and the institute, leaving some emergency resources idle during the late-2024 paralysation. The Frente Comum coordinator said authorities should have guaranteed coverage, and multiple outlets describe planning and communication lapses that undermined the intended fallback system. The breakdown raises questions about how future health-sector strikes will be managed and whether emergency call handling will be prioritised. Those who rely on emergency medical services should note possible disruption during protests and follow local service bulletins.

The Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses (SEP) announced a strike for 20 March, criticising the Ministry of Health (Ministério da Saúde) for delaying decisions that block nurses' career progression and the promised recalculation of service points. SEP says the ministry had committed to completing the points review by the end of February and failed to do so. Patients and services across public hospitals should expect disruption and check local announcements as the date approaches.

Mayors in Barreiro called the decision to close the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit (urgência de obstetrícia e ginecologia) incomprehensible, noting the unit recorded over 16,000 births between 2014 and 2024. Separately, the Algarve Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve) said a peak in attendances caused long waits at Faro's Emergency Department but denied that temporary doctor shortages caused the six‑hour ambulance hold for stretchers. Pregnant women and residents near the affected hospitals should monitor local health-unit notices and alternative emergency arrangements.

Update: Minister maintains obstetric closure despite staff shortages

The Health Minister said the decision to concentrate emergency services will stand because of shortages of obstetricians, gynaecologists and specialist nurses, but she left open the possibility of reversing the closure if human resources improve; she described the concentration as a technical measure to ensure care. Mayors and local councils continue to protest and prepare political action against the decision.

The president of the Vila Franca de Xira municipality said the possible permanent closure of obstetric emergency services at the local hospital is of “the greatest gravity,” and that the five municipalities served by the unit will contest the decision with the Government and bring the issue to Parliament. The move signals organised local resistance and could prompt national debate about how smaller hospitals retain urgent maternity services. Residents served by the hospital should follow municipal announcements and local political developments.

The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde) warned that mainland Portugal will see poor air quality on Tuesday and Wednesday (March 3–4) due to dust blown from North Africa, raising concentrations of inhalable particles. RTP, Observador, Correio and Dinheiro Vivo report the DGS advising elderly people and children to take extra precautions and recommending reduced outdoor activity during peak pollution. The issue is short-lived but can aggravate respiratory conditions and affect outdoor plans. Those with breathing problems or who care for vulnerable people should follow DGS guidance and local air-quality updates.

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.

One month after storm Kristin, Leiria hospital is still feeling the effects: in the first six hours after the storm 177 polytrauma patients arrived at the emergency department, staff worked without communications, roads remained blocked and many people reached the hospital in their own cars. Medical teams say the surge and infrastructure problems have left services stretched and recovery of normal operations is ongoing. Those relying on emergency care in the Leiria district should expect delays and follow local health unit notices.

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.

A union has publicly accused Ana Paula Martins of making a 'manifestly false statement' during a parliamentary hearing; the minister defended herself, saying she relayed the information she had been given, CNN Portugal and Expresso report. The dispute centres on the accuracy of information presented to MPs and has prompted strong language from union leaders. The incident could heighten scrutiny of ministry briefings and parliamentary exchanges; those following health‑sector policy should watch for formal replies or records of the hearing.

Regional obstetrics emergency services at hospitals in Barreiro and Vila Franca de Xira will close in mid‑March, with pregnant patients from Barreiro redirected to Hospital Garcia de Orta in Almada and those from Vila Franca sent to Hospital de Loures, RTP reports. Local users and politicians have criticised the decision as political and a strategic error, saying it will lengthen journeys for urgent maternity care. Expect changes to where to go for labour emergencies and check the receiving hospitals’ guidance if you live in those municipalities.

The Public Prosecutor's Office (Procuradoria‑Geral da República or PGR) is proposing specialised 'super teams' of prosecutors to tackle fraud in the National Health Service, aiming to have them in place by September under a national 2026–2028 strategy, ECO and other outlets report. The teams would sit in regional departments of investigation and criminal action and focus on the technical complexity of health‑sector fraud. The plan could speed investigations into suspicious billing or procurement practices, with potential consequences for private contractors and public providers found to have engaged in fraud. Those relying on public healthcare should note possible future investigations affecting local providers.

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 Ordem dos Médicos is calling for an urgent investigation into deaths linked to healthcare waiting lists, Correio da Manhã reports, increasing pressure on the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). The association wants a formal apuramento (inquiry) to identify causes and prevent future harm. Those relying on public healthcare should follow developments and expect government responses on capacity and triage.

Update: Director changes wording; regional body to meet

Público reports the director of the Santo António service initially mentioned ten deaths tied to waits but later spoke of “clinical deterioration,” while the Ordem dos Médicos' northern section will meet with service directors who sent a letter to the health minister to press for a formal inquiry and answers.

Observador reports that public-health assessments place Portugal at heightened risk for Chikungunya virus transmission this season. Health authorities and local clinics may increase surveillance and vector-control efforts; travellers and residents should avoid mosquito exposure and seek care for fever or joint pain. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware of possible upticks in clinic demand.

Update: Observador: Portugal at high Chikungunya risk

Observador's assessment again places Portugal at elevated transmission risk this season and says health services may scale up surveillance and mosquito-control measures; residents should watch for fever and joint pain and seek medical care if symptoms develop.

Correio da Manhã and Observador report the Firefighters' League said it received inadequate notice about how services would operate during a strike by INEM staff, raising concerns about emergency coverage. The dispute involves the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) and the Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros). Residents in affected areas should monitor local emergency-service announcements until the dispute is resolved.

Update: Firefighters say strike notice on services insufficient

Both Correio da Manhã and Observador quote the Liga dos Bombeiros saying the notice about how services would be organised during the INEM action was inadequate, heightening worries about gaps in emergency coverage.

Several rural municipalities say they face pressure from recent immigration and have asked the government for support to manage strains on housing, schools, health centres and services, Público reports. Local leaders warn these territories generate wealth but lack sufficient state resources to meet the extra demand, and they want clearer support for waste collection, interpretation services and housing. Residents in affected towns and people working with local councils should expect requests for targeted funding or temporary measures from central government.

Correio da Manhã reports the Ministério Público has opened a judicial inquiry (inquérito) into the deaths of a pregnant woman and her baby in the Azores. Authorities have launched the investigation to establish medical and procedural facts; the story is still developing. Those following healthcare provision in the Azores should watch for formal findings and any local service changes.

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.

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.