Portugal National Health Service structural reforms

Portugal is implementing structural changes to its National Health Service (SNS) regarding how medical services are categorized and delivered.

Initially, the Ministry of Health classified specific digital interactions—such as medication renewal requests via mobile apps or the emailing of clinical results—as formal medical consultations. The Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) stated these actions constitute “clinical acts and not mere administrative acts,” requiring clinical evaluation and registration. These digital consultations, categorized as “consultations without the presence of the patient,” incur a minimum state-assumed charge of 30 euros.

Following this, the government introduced a plan to establish Medical and Psychological Assessment Centers (CAMP). Managed by Local Health Units (ULS), these centers are intended to centralize specialized evaluations for driver’s licenses, hunting licenses, firearm permits, and nautical activities. The initiative aims to relieve Primary Health Care centers of administrative burdens by concentrating medical and psychotechnical acts within these dedicated structures, pending feasibility studies.