Immigration, surgeries, PPP. The hearing of the Minister of Health

During a parliamentary hearing, Health Minister Ana Paula Martins discussed the pressures on the National Health Service (SNS) due to increased immigration and demographic changes. She acknowledged the growing waiting lists for surgeries and announced plans to revise the surgical production policy. The minister confirmed that the SNS budget for 2027 will increase by 2.9%, despite anticipated deficits. She emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to enhance healthcare access and revealed that a new access system for consultations and surgeries will launch in January 2027. Martins rejected claims of a doubling deficit, clarifying that the projected deficit includes various financial needs and investments.