The Minister of Health announced that the Global Reference Framework (QGR) for 2027-2029 will be signed in the coming days, alongside the terms of reference for the 2027 contracting process. This aims to align management instruments for Local Health Units (ULS) and Oncology Institutes (IPO) by the start of 2027.
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The Minister of Health announced plans to launch a new cycle of public-private partnerships (PPP) for local health units (ULS) and is reviewing administrative procedures to shorten the current five-to-seven-year wait for tenders. Additionally, the government will soon publish an ordinance setting maximum hourly rates for outsourced 'tarefeiro' doctors, aiming to ensure predictability for hospitals by January.
The Minister of Health stated that the projected 2.679 billion euro negative balance for the National Health Service (SNS) in 2027 represents estimated funding needs rather than a loss, including both current and capital expenditures. This projection follows an extraordinary 959.7 million euro reinforcement in 2026, with the government framing the 2027 budget as a prudent estimate prepared under conditions of economic uncertainty.
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.