Public Services

Couple arrested in Silves for 'fake accident' scam targeting the elderly

A 45-year-old couple was arrested by the GNR on Monday, 19 October, after coercing an 85-year-old man into paying 2,000 euros for damages from a staged traffic accident. The GNR had been investigating the pair since a 15 October report involving a similar 1,500-euro scam, and advises citizens to contact police and insurers immediately rather than paying cash directly to other drivers if approached in this manner.

Why it matters

This warning about the 'fake accident' scam is relevant for any driver in Portugal; if you are involved in an incident, do not pay cash on the spot, and instead insist on official documentation, photos, and contacting the authorities or your insurance company.

CNN Portugal· 3d agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Psychologist vouchers: Ministry denies payment delays

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport states that all psychologist invoices submitted within the 90-day payment window are being paid, claiming that reported delays are due to consultations performed without a valid voucher. The Ministry also announced that automation improvements to the platform supporting the 'Cuida-te' program—which provides free psychological and nutritional consultations for youth aged 12 to 35—will be completed in the coming days to address voucher issuance delays.

Observador· 4h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Medical Association warns that emergency room response cannot compromise inpatient care

A new Ministry of Health order, in effect since Friday 23 October, mandates that doctors working in internal hospital emergency departments must support external emergency services during periods of high pressure or patient influx. The Medical Association and the Independent Doctors' Union have criticized the move, arguing that redirecting resources from the care of admitted, often fragile, patients to external urgencies risks creating further instability within hospitals.

Observador· 4h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Sintra requests measures from Volta waste management to prevent destruction of containers

The Sintra City Council has written to the management of Volta, the entity responsible for waste collection, requesting increased surveillance in affected areas or the implementation of anti-vandalism measures for waste containers.

Público· 5h agoRead original ↗

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