Ministry Proposes Revision of Health Fundamentals and Means for Social Networking Service Regulation
Health Revolution in Portugal
The Portuguese government's agenda includes a significant overhaul of the health system, with the proposed revamp of the Basic Health Law and the introduction of the new Law on Resources for the NHS. These changes are crucial, they claim, to ensure the sustainability of the country's health system.
The Necessary Shake-up
The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to modernize and restructure the National Health Service (SNS), streamline patient access, and reduce waiting times for critical services. Three key legislative and policy initiatives stand out:
1. SINACC - Simplifying Access- A new system, SINACC, aims to replace the current Integrated System for Managing Surgery Subscribers (SIGIC), making it easier for patients to access consultations, surgeries, and diagnostics. [1]
2. SNS Management - A Collaborative Approach- The SNS is planned to be reorganized into Local Health Systems, with involvement from public, private, and social entities. This restructuring aims to improve coordination and efficiency at the local level. [1]
3. Public-Private Partnerships - Strengthening Health Units- New public-private partnerships (PPPs) will be launched for health units that meet criteria ensuring improved care responses. [1]
4. Regional Emergency Units - Boosting Critical Care- Regional emergency units are proposed, comprising teams shared between hospitals. Priority will be given to specialties facing the most critical human resource shortages, such as obstetrics and paediatrics. [1]
5. Protecting Healthcare Workers - Zero Tolerance for Violence- As of April 18, 2025, a new law will strengthen criminal penalties for violence against healthcare professionals. [4]
Bolstering the Health System - A Comprehensive Approach
While the specific "Basic Health Law review" may not be currently headlining news, the restructuring of SNS management and the creation of SINACC indicate a broader legislative and policy shift aimed at modernizing the health system. The new Law on Resources for the NHS, including the strengthened protections for healthcare workers, forms part of this comprehensive effort to address operational efficiency and workforce safety.
| Initiative/Change | Description ||----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| SINACC | New system for access to consultations, surgeries, and diagnostics; replaces SIGIC || Local Health Systems | SNS reorganization with public, private, and social entity participation || Public-Private Partnerships | New PPPs for health units with private management for public needs || Regional Emergency Units | Shared teams for critical specialties; focus on obstetrics and paediatrics || Legal Protections | Stronger penalties for violence; public crime classification; new reporting platform |
These changes demonstrate a commitment to improving access, efficiency, and safety within the Portuguese health system, with a particular focus on modernizing SNS management and protecting healthcare professionals. [1][4]
The comprehensive overhaul of Portugal's health system is not just about the review of the Basic Health Law, but also includes the implementation of new policies and legislation. For instance, the proposed SINACC system aims to simplify patient access to consultations, surgeries, and diagnostics. Furthermore, the reorganization of the National Health Service into Local Health Systems will involve collaboration among public, private, and social entities to enhance coordination and efficiency at the local level. Additionally, the new Law on Resources for the NHS includes stronger protections for healthcare workers, such as increased penalties for violence against them, signifying a broader effort to address operational efficiency, workforce safety, and general news related to these medical-conditions and health-and-wellness policies and legislation in the realm of politics.
