Portugal's National Health Service marks 47 years amid staffing and resource crises

As Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) marks its 47th anniversary, the system faces significant operational challenges. The National Medical Union (SMN) has raised alarms regarding a shortage of professionals, long waiting lists for consultations and surgeries, and the fact that over 1.3 million citizens—approximately one in eight—remain without a family doctor.

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins has emphasized the need for increased productivity and a reorganization of care. She noted that while more resources are necessary, the system must also improve the stratification of care to ensure patients only reach hospitals for appropriate medical needs, rather than utilizing emergency services for primary care issues.

The SMN has criticized the Ministry of Health’s 2026–2028 planning, arguing it lacks the structural changes required to address systemic issues. Specifically, the union pointed to a projected limit on workforce reinforcement and a decrease in planned investment execution through 2028. Additionally, the union reported the suspension of additional orthopedic and neurosurgery procedures at the Santo António Local Health Unit in Porto due to staffing constraints.