Healthcare

SNS: Fernando Araújo criticizes waiting times and points to broken government promise as oncology surgery patients rise by 11%

Former SNS executive director Fernando Araújo reports that the number of patients waiting for a first hospital consultation has increased by approximately 50% in two years, reaching over 1.22 million by mid-2026. He specifically highlights that waitlists for oncology surgeries have grown by 11% compared to two years ago, with 1,586 cancer patients currently exceeding the legal maximum response time as of 30 June.

Why it matters

If you rely on the public health system (SNS), you should be aware that waiting times for hospital consultations and oncology surgeries are increasing, which may result in longer delays for your care.

Observador· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Healthcare

Diagnostic and therapeutic technician strike on November 19 and 20

Diagnostic and therapeutic technicians have called for a strike on 19 and 20 November to demand career progression and valuation. On 19 November, protesters plan to gather near the Prime Minister's official residence in Lisbon.

RTP· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Healthcare

Strike closes schools, health centers and affects surgeries

A strike by the Sindicato Nacional dos Trabalhadores dos Serviços e das Entidades com Fins Públicos (STTS) caused widespread disruption on Monday 2 November, with 60% participation reported. Schools, health centers, and courts were affected, with many consultations and surgeries postponed across the country, including the islands. A new strike for the public sector has been scheduled for 20 November.

Correio da Manhã· 10h agoRead original ↗

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Healthcare

West Nile virus infections may be going unnoticed in Portugal, health council warns

The Portuguese Council for Health and Environment (CPSA) warned on Monday 2 November that human West Nile virus infections are likely going undiagnosed in Portugal due to the widespread presence of vector mosquitoes and four animal outbreaks recorded this year. Although ECDC data shows 2,009 human cases across 20 European countries this year—including 149 in Spain, particularly in border regions—Portugal has reported no human cases, which the council attributes to underdiagnosis. The virus is transmitted mainly by Culex mosquitoes, which accounted for over 45% of adult mosquitoes captured by INSA in 2025.

Correio da Manhã· 12h agoRead original ↗

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Practical alerts

Media-reported alerts

Diagnostic and therapeutic technician strike on November 19 and 20 · RTP · 1h ago
Strike closes schools, health centers and affects surgeries · Correio da Manhã · 10h ago
Trains return to service on the Western Line between Torres Vedras and Caldas da Rainha on November 15 · Observador · 21h ago
Power cuts planned across 11 areas of Portugal · The Portugal News · 1d ago
Rail service suspended on the Douro Line between Marco and Régua from November to March · Correio da Manhã · 3w ago
Banking union reschedules protests · Observador · 3w ago

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