Tracking health for Portugal — coverage from the newsroom in Lisbon.
Health · National NewsInfarmed bans export of 60 essential medicines to avoid winter shortages, promising faster pharmacy restocks. Check if your prescription drug is on the list.
Health · EconomyLong waits in Portugal’s SNS are driving 3.6 million residents—35% of the population—to take out private health insurance. See what it means for expats today.
Health · EconomyState spending on Portugal lab tests climbs 4.1%, pressuring SNS funds. Learn how 2025 reimbursement reforms could affect residents and expats—read analysis.
HealthLisbon’s Hospital Amadora-Sintra cut ER waits by nearly three hours, yet patients still face seven-hour queues. Discover the fixes before winter demand peaks.
HealthFacing 10-hour waits at Lisbon’s Amadora-Sintra emergency room, residents can check SNS wait times, call SNS24 for nurse triage and find urgent-care clinics.
Health · EconomyPortugal's government weighs subsidising new GLP-1 weight-loss injections. Learn costs, eligibility rules and if a higher sugar tax could fund the plan.
Health · EconomyGovernment eyes 2.7% rise yet deep procurement cuts; watchdog sees care delays and deficit risk. Learn how the draft budget may affect your SNS access.
Health · EconomySubsidising semaglutide and tirzepatide could add €2bn to Portugal’s drug bill—well above the pharmacy budget. See the impact on patients, taxpayers and residents.
Health · National NewsDiabetes now affects 14.2% of Portugal’s population. Get free screenings, cheap healthy groceries and council-run exercise plans to cut your risk today.