Portugal social inclusion and welfare funding face challenges

Social inclusion and the funding of specialized care facilities are facing challenges in Portugal. At a colloquium organized by CERCI Chaves, president Adalgisa Portugal warned of a “retrocesso” (setback) in inclusion, noting that public discourse on the subject is not being matched by practical reality.

In a separate development, the Obra Social Padre Miguel is facing financial uncertainty regarding a new €3 million facility designed for high-dependency patients, such as those with Alzheimer’s. Although the institution was initially approved for €1.5 million in funding through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), the decision was later reversed. The institution has appealed to the Administrative and Fiscal Court.

State Secretary Clara Marques Mendes indicated that while the government cannot fund the construction itself, as the project did not receive PRR support, the state remains open to discussing support for the operational costs of the social response once the building is functional.