Portuguese Nurses Union criticizes SNS staffing limits

The Portuguese Nurses Union (SEP) has criticized the new Global Reference Framework (QGR) for the National Health Service (SNS) for the 2026-2028 period. The union argues that the framework's limit on staff increases will prevent the hiring of approximately 3,000 newly trained nurses.

The QGR, recently published in the Diário da República, stipulates that new permanent recruitments can only increase the total number of workers by a maximum of 1.4% in 2026 compared to the end of 2025. The SEP claims this restriction effectively blocks the entry of young professionals into the workforce.

Additionally, the union condemned a nine-month delay in the publication of the QGR, attributing the responsibility to the Ministry of Finance. The SEP alleges the delay is part of a strategy to avoid spending budgeted funds, which they claim creates constraints for Local Health Units (ULS) and hinders the functioning of the national health service.