Judge Alexandre’s New Anti-Fraud Team Aims to Save €800M for Portugal’s SNS

In a decisive move to shield the SNS from escalating losses, Judge Carlos Alexandre has secured approval from the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM) to lead the Comissão de Combate à Fraude no SNS.

At a Glance

• CSM approval granted on 9 December 2025

• Three-year mandate to centralise anti-fraud operations

• Annual savings goal set at €800M

• Team composition: Polícia Judiciária, IGAS, IGF, Infarmed, Shared Services

A New Chapter in Fraud Prevention

Established by a Government decree in late November 2025, the Comissão de Combate à Fraude no SNS is charged with centralising all anti-fraud efforts, coordinating between existing watchdogs and executing the new fraud strategy. With a three-year mandate, this body aims to strengthen oversight across the National Health Service, ensuring greater transparency in medical procedures and financial flows.

Harnessing Cross-Agency Expertise

Under the leadership of Judge Carlos Alexandre, the commission’s core team includes permanent representatives from the Polícia Judiciária, Inspeção-Geral das Finanças, Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde (IGAS) and Infarmed. Supported logistically by the Secretaria-Geral do Ministério da Saúde, it also draws on Shared Services and administrative resources to maintain continuous monitoring, data analysis, and rapid response to allegations.

The Financial Stakes: Why Now?

Recent audits estimate that fraudulent activities siphon off between 3% and 5% of the SNS budget, translating into nearly €800M lost annually. A European study highlights that up to 12% of healthcare spending is compromised by corruption and fraud, underscoring the urgency of a centralised watchdog.

High-profile cases like the Operation Obelix scandal, where fraudulent Ozempic prescriptions cost the Treasury over €3M, and the escalating number of false medical leaves—67,485 detected in 2025, up 44%—illustrate the breadth of the challenge. Irregular patient registration and off-hour surgeries have compounded these losses, prompting calls for systemic reform.

Voices from the Field: Support and Scrutiny

The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, welcomed the CSM decision, noting that the commission will complement rather than duplicate the work of existing bodies like the IGAS. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa described the initiative as aligned with public demands for transparency. Meanwhile, hospital administrators such as Xavier Barreto praised the judge’s investigative pedigree, calling it a strategic choice to combat systemic fraud.

Critics, including former Prime Minister José Sócrates, decried the move as politically motivated, questioning the impartiality of Judge Alexandre. Opposition voices like Patrícia Nascimento of Chega labelled it symbolic, suggesting previous anti-fraud units failed to achieve lasting impact. A debate on SIC Notícias’ "Justiça Cega" series reflected these tensions, with legal experts diverging over mandate scope and jurisdictional overlaps.

Roadmap and Expectations

With operations slated to begin in early 2026, the CCF-SNS will present its annual activity plan by mid-January, coordinating with the Justice and Health ministers. Over its three-year term, it aims to refer suspected cases to relevant authorities, monitor corrective measures, and pursue disciplinary, financial, and criminal accountability. The commission will also set priority domains each year, focusing initially on high-risk procedures and billing anomalies.

Key Takeaways

• Judge Carlos Alexandre takes charge of a new anti-fraud commission in the SNS.

• A multidisciplinary task force will blend judicial, financial, and health inspection expertise.

• The commission aims for €800M in annual savings to the national budget.

• Critics warn of overlapping powers, while supporters stress the need for centralised oversight.

• The first operational roadmap is due in January 2026, kicking off targeted audits.