started · updated
Portugal's National Health Service faces nursing shortages and hiring delays
Portugal's National Health Service (SNS) is facing significant staffing and administrative challenges. The Ordem dos Enfermeiros estimates a shortage of approximately 14,000 professionals within the system. While roughly 3,000 newly graduated nurses are entering the workforce this summer, the SNS currently lacks the capacity to offer them stable employment due to delays in approving the 2026 Organizational Development Plans (PDO). Consequently, many new professionals are opting for the private sector or working abroad, where salaries can be two to three times higher than in Portugal.
In addition to recruitment issues, there are ongoing disputes regarding salary progressions. The Associação Sindical Portuguesa dos Enfermeiros (ASPE) reports that the application of Law No. 51/2025 is inconsistent across different health units. While some regions have updated salaries and paid retroactive amounts, others report delays in identifying eligible professionals, lack of communication regarding salary calculations, and unpaid retroactive payments.
Entities
Luís Filipe Barreira · Ordem dos Enfermeiros · Portugal · Serviço Nacional de Saúde
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 3,000 newly graduated nurses are entering the job market this summer, but the SNS lacks the capacity to hire them on a stable basis. rr.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The inability to hire new nurses is linked to delays in approving the 2026 Organizational Development Plans (PDO). rr.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ordem dos Enfermeiros estimates there is a shortage of 14,000 professionals in the National Health Service (SNS). rr.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Current hiring in the SNS is primarily being conducted through six-month contracts. rr.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In 2025, 1,363 nurses requested professional recognition statements to work abroad. rr.pt