Between 1 January and 15 October 2026, the national emergency service (INEM) recorded 6,714 stroke cases, averaging 23 per day. This is a decrease from the 26 daily cases recorded in 2025, with women accounting for 52% of 2026 cases and those aged 70 to 89 representing 54.8%.
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Research suggests artificial intelligence could improve the sensitivity of mammography screenings and help tailor frequency based on individual risk. In Portugal, the current national screening program for asymptomatic women aged 45 to 74 continues to offer mammograms every two years, with implementation still expanding across municipalities.
The head of the Order of Physicians, Carlos Cortes, warned that surgical waiting lists at the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo (HDES) in Ponta Delgada have reached 13,945 patients as of July 2026, the highest figure since records began in 2017. He emphasized that the hospital is struggling with structural limitations and the lasting impact of a 2024 fire, which continue to hinder the full restoration of clinical services.
A new feature on the SNS 24 app and portal allows users to check their current status in the National User Registry (RNU). If a user's status is listed as "in progress" (registo em curso) or "incomplete" (registo incompleto), they must visit a primary healthcare unit or public hospital in person with their identification and necessary documents to update their data.