Portugal's Hospital Bed Stock Remains Below EU Average

Portugal had 331 hospital beds per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, trailing the European Union average of 507. The figure marks a modest 3% increase from the previous year but places Portugal behind nations such as Spain (283) and ahead of the EU median. Long‑term care beds are especially scarce, with only 94 per 100,000 residents, ranking Portugal among the lowest in the EU alongside Bulgaria and Greece.

Eurostat data show that the EU overall has been reducing hospital bed numbers since 2009, reflecting advances in medical technology and a shift toward outpatient care. While Portugal’s bed count rose, most EU countries saw declines, and only seven nations increased their capacity in 2024.