Healthcare

Minister admits SNS account imbalance requires more planning and spending control

The Minister of Health acknowledged significant financial pressures on the National Health Service (SNS) during a parliamentary hearing. Consequently, the government plans to amend an ordinance that is currently restricting surgeries from being performed outside of normal business hours.

Why it matters

If you are waiting for a surgery in the public health system, this potential policy change may eventually increase access to procedures by removing current restrictions on out-of-hours operations.

Público· 1d agoRead original ↗

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Healthcare

SNS deficit increase: Minister rejects loss figure but admits worsening

The deficit in the National Health Service could more than double next year, with an estimated shortfall exceeding 2.6 billion euros. The Minister of Health rejects the scale of the projected increase, but acknowledges that the financial situation is worsening.

RTP· 12h agoRead original ↗

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Healthcare

Pharmacies begin providing methadone treatment

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.

SIC Notícias· 14h agoRead original ↗

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Healthcare

Immigration pressure, public-private partnerships, and surgical delays: Health Minister's parliamentary hearing

During a parliamentary hearing on the 2027 State Budget, Health Minister Ana Paula Martins stated that immigration growth — with foreign residents rising from roughly 748,000 in 2021 to about 1.6 million in 2025 — is adding pressure to the SNS, alongside an aging demographic. She acknowledged that surgical waiting lists have reached a record high of 284,000 people and announced that the new Access System for Consultations and Surgeries (SINACC) is now scheduled to start in January 2027, delayed from its initial August 2026 target. She also confirmed plans to advance further Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in hospitals and intends to amend the dispatch on additional surgical production.

Observador· 16h agoRead original ↗

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Media-reported alerts

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Pharmacies begin providing methadone treatment · SIC Notícias · 14h ago
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