Latest news and stories about nhs in Portugal for expats and residents.
In 2025, psychotropic drug consumption in mainland Portugal hit a decade-high of 29.4 million packages, costing the NHS 152 million euros.
A study by the Catholic University of Portugal reveals that nearly 70% of Portuguese citizens are concerned about the National Health Service, with over a third turning to private insurance due to perceived systemic failures and declining public service quality.
The executive director of the NHS rejected today that there is a direct link between the lack of resources in obstetrics and the increase in caesarean sections, stressing that in hospitals with the greatest problems, the rate has actually decreased compared to 2023.
Bills from the PS and PAN parties approved in principle. The proposals now move to the Health Committee for detailed discussion. The union describes it as a long-awaited historic milestone.
The bill presented by the PS parliamentary group was approved unanimously, while the PAN bill saw abstentions from the PSD, Chega, PS, IL, and CDS-PP.
The Minister of Health addresses issues within the National Health Service, with the satirical addition of Donald Trump being hired as a temporary doctor at the Amadora-Sintra hospital.
There are about 13,000 professionals registered with the Dental Association, but less than 2% work in the public service. Parliament is debating five bills to create a career path within the NHS.
PRESS REVIEW | Government cuts funding by approximately 150 million
The head of the Pharmacists' Association says it is difficult to evaluate the performance of the NHS Executive Board, as its priorities and role are unclear. He remains unconvinced by the health pact.
The group points to an 'administrative blockage' between the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) and the Local Health Units (ULS) in the context of the sector's recent reorganization.
On World Health Day, the organisation representing 86 patient and consumer associations highlights the growing pressure on the health service and notes that, by the end of 2025, more than 1.3 million users were awaiting care.
The delay is creating cash flow problems. The cooperation agreement expired at the end of October and has not yet been renewed. The ACSS states that authorization from the Council of Ministers is still pending.
Carlos Galamba de Oliveira was under investigation by authorities when he was appointed by the minister as vice-president of the Central Administration of the Health System. He is now accused of abuse of power regarding public contracts he made while at Egas Moniz and São Francisco Xavier hospitals.
Representatives from the healthcare sector accuse the executive director of the NHS of failing to perform his duties. 159 entities collectively guarantee that real cuts are already affecting thousands of patients, citing the postponement of surgeries, consultations, and treatments, as well as a shortage of medication across the country.
“There is a problem at Amadora-Sintra and it is a serious problem,” admitted Álvaro Almeida.
Members of the parliamentary Health committee approved, this Wednesday, the request from the Liberal Initiative to hear Judge Carlos Alexandre regarding the announced Commission to Combat Fraud in the National Health Service (NHS).
