Tracking health for Portugal — coverage from the newsroom in Lisbon.
Health · PoliticsOrange-coded, life-threatening cases waited up to 14 hours at Lisbon’s Santa Maria ER—10 minutes is the norm. Discover walk-in clinics or dial SNS 24 first.
Health · National NewsFlu season and staff shortages at Hospital Fernando Fonseca, Amadora-Sintra, leave patients waiting up to 12 hours. See the new clinics and hotline options to avoid delays.
Health · EnvironmentFreezing nights across Portugal can worsen COPD, heart disease and diabetes. Learn 7 doctor-approved tips to keep homes above 18 °C and avoid emergency visits.
Health · National NewsPortugal's SNS keeps near-weekday hospital service on 24, 26 & 31 December Christmas bridge days. Check which clinics, surgeries and ERs stay open.
HealthPedro Hispano Hospital’s A&E in Matosinhos faces 12-hour waits for urgent cases. Learn how SNS 24, USFs and 112 can help you cut your waiting time in Portugal.
Health · EconomyPortugal’s bed-blocking crisis leaves 2,800 medically fit patients in hospital beds, stretching budgets and delaying your surgery. See what’s being done.
Health · PoliticsLearn how Portugal’s winter health plan uses mobile vaccine units, tele-consultations and army-run infirmaries to keep Lisbon and Porto ERs open this holiday.
Health · PoliticsPatients fit to leave Portugal's hospital beds, straining the SNS and delaying other treatments. António Filipe proposes 90 new palliative beds per year.
Health · EconomyNon-medical patients occupy 12% of Portuguese hospital beds, pushing ER waits past 6 hours and surgeries back a year. See costs, hardest-hit regions and fixes.