Diabetic patients in Portugal lose access to subsidized medication

The Associação Protetora dos Diabéticos de Portugal has reported that some diabetic patients are losing access to subsidized medication. The issue affects individuals without a family doctor or those who have not updated their personal data within the National Health Service (SNS).

As a result, these patients have been removed from the National User Registry (RNU), preventing doctors from issuing prescriptions with state subsidies. This is particularly critical for insulin, which is a life-saving medication. While diabetes medication generally receives a 90% subsidy, insulin is typically 100% subsidized.

José Manuel Boavida, president of the association, warned that the high cost of insulin could pose a severe health risk to those unable to afford it without assistance. Affected patients must visit health services in person to re-enter the system, a process that presents difficulties for the elderly and emigrants. The association has called on the Ministry of Health to at least notify users when they fall into this situation.