When INEM fails to arrive in time
Despite repeated technical assessments, confirmed financial capacity and clear structural proposals, the SNS and INEM keep failing to deliver timely emergency responses. This analysis points to implementation gaps — weak governance, fragmented coordination between national and regional bodies, staffing shortages and poor resource allocation — rather than lack of solutions; the result is delayed care that harms patients (including expats) and undermines public wellbeing. Addressing the problem requires transparent accountability, an independent audit of operational bottlenecks, data-driven redistribution of resources and political commitment to implement already-defined reforms.
Gouveia e Melo calls for changes to health leadership
Admiral Gouveia e Melo has urged a change in health leadership, saying the Government should resign if it cannot resolve systemic problems in the healthcare system. He accuses the State of failing across the board, criticises missed deadlines for delivering results and calls for accountability and urgent action to protect patients and medical services. The remarks frame the crisis as a leadership and policy failure with direct implications for care delivery and public confidence.
Hospital-at-home: Garcia de Orta has 24 patients hospitalised at home
Ten years ago, Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada opened the first hospital-at-home unit. Today there are already 50 Local Health Units offering this service — a way of delivering healthcare to 400 patients receiving inpatient care outside the hospital.
New Year
In 2026, innovation will not be merely about implementing tools, but about ensuring they reinforce — and never replace — the relationship of trust between doctor and patient.
SNS24 helpline: Artificial intelligence system used in triage
Artificial intelligence is already being used for cases of acute respiratory illness via the SNS24 helpline. The solution aims to increase response capacity and reduce the number of unanswered calls.
App analyses chemotherapy-induced hearing loss
Patients will be able to perform audiometric tests at home using a system developed by researchers at the University of Coimbra. Oncological treatments with cisplatin are associated with irreversible hearing loss.
