Portugal's public healthcare system faces worsening delays and declining services
Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) has seen a decline in performance over the past two years. A recent analysis by the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) highlights worsening delays and reduced medical activity across key areas. The ACSS carried out its review in February, with findings set to appear on the Transparency Portal. The report reveals a drop in the number of medical consultations, including first appointments. At the same time, more patients are now waiting for surgery, and those already on lists face even longer delays.
Hospital discharge times have also slowed, adding to the strain on the system. Fewer surgeries—both scheduled and emergency—have taken place compared to previous years. Overall, waiting times for operations have grown, further stretching resources. The data points to a broader trend of deterioration in essential services. Patients requiring urgent care or routine procedures now experience more obstacles than in the past two years.
The ACSS findings confirm a downward shift in SNS efficiency. Longer waits for consultations, surgeries, and discharges reflect mounting pressure on healthcare delivery. The full report will soon be available for public review on the Transparency Portal.
