Health tourism in the SNS: overwhelmed services and unpaid debts as doctors and hospital managers criticize out-of-control system

Non-resident pregnant women from South Asia and PALOP countries are increasingly using public hospital emergency rooms and maternity wards without payment or prior medical tracking, placing severe pressure on obstetrics and oncology services. A 2024 IGAS report showed that emergency room visits by non-resident foreigners more than doubled over a two-year period, with about half not covered by any protocol or insurance. The PSD has pledged to crack down on the practice.