Portugal could provide family doctors to all SNS users by 2029

The National Association of Family Health Units (USF-AN) has stated that it is possible to provide a family doctor to every person registered with Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) by the end of the current legislature in 2029. This goal is supported by projections showing that while approximately 682 family doctors are expected to retire by 2029, there are currently 1,446 doctors in specialist training, which could potentially cover both the current deficit and upcoming retirements.

André Biscaia, president of USF-AN, emphasized that achieving this objective requires a concerted strategy for recruitment and retention, including year-round hiring mechanisms and the inclusion of extended healthcare teams such as nurses, psychologists, and physiotherapists. The association noted that the largest wave of retirements is expected this year, with 503 professionals eligible to retire.

In related regional developments, the government is accelerating the integration of nurses from the SESARAM recruitment pool and has announced a new competition for approximately 140 nursing positions in 2027. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on workforce flexibility to manage seasonal demand and professional autonomy within the healthcare sector.