Patients who test positive for HIV or hepatitis at pharmacies will now be referred directly to the National Health Service (SNS). The project started in Odivelas and is being rolled out nationwide.
This update is from Bica
Your quick shot of what's changing in Portugal and affecting your status, your home, your money, and whatever might disrupt your day. Short and clear updates, gathered from Portuguese sources.
It's free, with no signup and no app to download.
Read today’s briefing
The Portuguese Cardiology Society is launching the 'Coração Aceso' campaign, offering free cardiovascular screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose) in over 160 pharmacies between September 29 and October 4. Participants receive a card detailing their risk level, which the society recommends checking every five years starting at age 35.
A pilot project called DECIDE-SCREEN will launch at the beginning of 2027 at the Alcântara Family Health Unit in Lisbon, sending digital decision aids by SMS or email to patients before their appointments. Coordinated by Value for Health CoLAB in partnership with NOVA Medical School and the Western Lisbon Local Health Unit, the 24-month initiative aims to help patients make informed choices about colorectal and cervical cancer screenings, addressing low uptake rates such as 50% for colorectal screening.
As of Sunday, 1 November, pharmacies in seven municipalities will begin providing methadone treatment for opioid addiction. The program, which includes pharmacies in Albufeira, Loulé, Portalegre, Portimão, São Brás de Alportel, Santiago do Cacém, and Vila do Bispo, is part of a national rollout managed by ICAD and INFARMED to increase treatment accessibility and patient privacy.