Health · EconomyWeight-Loss Drugs Threaten to Blow Portugal’s Medicine Budget
Subsidising semaglutide and tirzepatide could add €2bn to Portugal’s drug bill—well above the pharmacy budget. See the impact on patients, taxpayers and residents.
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Health
Tracking health for Portugal — coverage from the newsroom in Lisbon.
Health · EconomyAll Health stories
Health · National NewsBlack Hawks to Slash Medevac Times Across Portugal by 2026
Four Black Hawks put all of Portugal within 30-minute medevac reach. Explore funding, bases and the 2026 rollout timeline.
HealthOne in Seven Adults in Portugal Now Lives with Diabetes
Portugal’s diabetes rate hits 14.2%, with many cases undiagnosed. See why screenings matter and how this could affect healthcare access.
Health · EconomyAzores Wipes €200m Medical Debt, Commits to 3-Month Supplier Payments and Faster Care
Azores settles €200m health arrears; suppliers now paid within 90 days, extra funds for surgeries, no upfront fees at private clinics from 2026.
Health · National NewsDual Tragedy at Lisbon Maternity Ward Sparks Nationwide Obstetrics Review
Fatal mother-and-newborn deaths in Lisbon spark criminal and regulatory probes; see safety measures for expectant parents in Portugal.
Health · PoliticsCoimbra's Covões Hospital Ends Walk-In ER, Opens Referral Clinic
Covões Hospital ER now takes only pre-booked minor cases 14:00-22:00. For serious issues head to HUC; call SNS24 to secure one of 32 slots.
Health · TechPancreatic Cancer Rising in Portugal; New Detection Tools Bring Hope
Cases rising in younger adults. New imaging, blood tests and AI may catch pancreatic cancer earlier in Portugal. Know the key symptoms now.
Health · PoliticsNew Portal Lets Portugal's Patients Pick Their Surgery Venue
Track wait-times, get alerts and shift appointments to public or private hospitals across Portugal. SINACC puts queue control in patients' hands
Health · EnvironmentStork Carcass Triggers Algarve Bird-Flu Controls: What Residents Should Know
Algarve bird flu alert sparks 10km safety zone. Know the rules for beach walks, backyard poultry and properly cooked chicken. Report sick birds early.