Portugal SNS framework predicts stagnant family doctor coverage through 2028

The National Health Service (SNS) Global Reference Framework for the 2026-2028 period predicts a stagnation in family doctor coverage in Portugal. According to the strategic document, the percentage of users with an assigned family doctor is expected to remain at approximately 85.37% through 2028, the same level recorded in 2024. This means roughly 15% of users will remain without a family doctor, missing the previous goal of 98% coverage by 2026.

Despite the lack of progress in doctor assignment, the framework anticipates an increase in medical consultations, rising from 47.7 million this year to over 48.7 million by 2028. The number of surgeries is also projected to increase from 799,000 in 2026 to nearly 832,000 in 2028, while emergency room visits are expected to decrease from 4.5 million to 4.2 million.

Financially, the SNS total expenditure is projected to reach 19.714 billion euros by 2028. The workforce is expected to grow from 157,000 to over 160,000 employees during this period. The Ordem dos Médicos has criticized the plan, describing it as a “continuity of minimum services in the SNS”.