Family Health Units in Portugal face IT risks and funding delays

A report by the National Association of Family Health Units (USF-AN) highlights critical operational challenges within Portugal's primary healthcare system. According to the study, frequent IT failures represent a “clinical risk,” as medical professionals lose access to patient information, prescriptions, and exams. The association notes that no unit went a year without such failures, with 54% experiencing them more than ten times.

Additionally, the report reveals significant financial issues, with 85.7% of Family Health Units reporting outstanding or unavailable institutional incentives. These funds, intended for quality improvements and training, are often withheld or redirected by Local Health Units (ULS). Furthermore, 63.6% of units were informed that incentives earned in 2025 would only be made available in 2026, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among coordinators.