Work: Medical services news in Portugal

More than 100 nurses gathered in Lisbon on Tuesday to protest for higher salaries and improved working conditions. The demonstration coincided with International Nurses Day, with union leaders highlighting the ongoing pressure on the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) and the loss of professionals.

Health sector workers will strike on May 4th and 5th to demand better wages and improved working conditions. The union organizing the stoppage is calling for the restoration of career points and an end to the reliance on excessive overtime and long, continuous work shifts.

The Portuguese Nurses' Union (Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses or SEP) has announced a national strike for May 12. The industrial action will span the public, private, and social sectors as nurses demand government intervention to address long-standing professional grievances.

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins admitted the government cannot meet all demands from the Nurses' Union (Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses) ahead of a planned general strike this Friday. The minister stated that while work is ongoing on some issues, the government must focus on resolving systemic problems within the National Health Service. Patients with scheduled appointments on Friday should contact their health units to check for potential cancellations or delays.