Portugal hospitals and health officials act on prolonged heat wave

Hospitals across Portugal are strengthening their capacity and procedures as a heat wave persists, with officials warning that a two‑week spell of extreme temperatures could become a serious problem. The health sector stresses that prevention must be a priority while coping with increased patient loads.

Public health physicians have called on the Portuguese government to reinstated a reduced 6 % VAT rate on air‑conditioning units, arguing that cheaper cooling equipment is essential to protect the population during the ongoing heat event.

Both measures highlight the pressure the heat wave is placing on the nation's health system and the push for policy actions to mitigate its effects.