The government has approved a 1.5 billion euro funding boost for the National Health Service (SNS). The Minister of Health clarified that these funds are intended to pay down debts to suppliers and to fund investments, equipment acquisitions, and services within Local Health Units (ULS), with a goal to keep payment deadlines below 60 days by the end of the term.
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The Ministry of Health has launched a pilot project allowing specialist maternal and obstetric health nurses to monitor low-risk pregnancies in primary care for women who do not have an assigned family doctor. The Minister stated the measure follows Directorate-General for Health guidelines and ensures patients are immediately referred to a medical team if any complications arise. The model, recently published in the Diário da República, has faced criticism from the Medical Association and the Association of General and Family Medicine.
The government announced the extension of the 'Cuida-te' youth health and well-being program through 2029 with a 10 million euro investment. This includes the continued provision of psychology and nutrition vouchers in 2027, a scheme that has reached over 24,000 young people with more than 48,000 vouchers issued as of October 2026.
A national strike is affecting public services across the country today, 2 November. The industrial action has resulted in the closure of hundreds of schools and widespread cancellations of medical consultations and exams in hospitals and health centres.