New 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 that necessary corrections will be made to the previously approved regulations. The Medical Association had raised concerns about transparency and equity in the surgical waiting lists, leading to the suspension of SINACC's implementation. Currently, the number of patients awaiting surgery has reached a record high of 284,000, while surgical production in the National Health Service continues to decline.