Government announces support for private patient transport companies

The government will extend financial support to private non-urgent patient transport companies under Decree-Law No. 199/2026 to address rising fuel costs. This decision follows threats from these companies to halt operations due to exclusion from previous aid packages. The Ministry of Health acknowledged their role in ensuring patient access to healthcare and expressed concern over the sustainability of their services amid rising operational costs. Companies have reported feeling discriminated against and highlighted the risk to essential treatments without their services. They plan to distribute flyers to raise awareness and may organize a slow march in Lisbon if dialogue with the government does not improve.