New access system for consultations and surgeries starts in January

The National Access System for Consultations and Surgeries (SINACC) will launch in January after being postponed from August due to criticisms from the Medical Association. Health Minister Ana Paula Martins confirmed necessary adjustments will be made to the regulations that faced scrutiny. The Medical Association had raised concerns about the transparency and equity of the new system, which will replace the current Integrated Management System for Surgery Registrations (SIGIC). The implementation was delayed following these concerns regarding the management of surgical waiting lists.