The FNAM has demanded urgent regularization of additional payments to the interventional neuroradiology team, whose halted operations put patients facing severe medical emergencies, such as acute ischemic strokes, at risk.
Doctors accuse the Braga Local Health Unit (ULS Braga) administration of inflexibility and of failing to comply with Order No. 355/2024/1. They state that patients needing urgent treatment outside normal operating hours (from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, notably between 8:00 p.m. and midnight, on weekends and holidays) are being redirected to hospitals in Porto or Gaia.
FNAM warns that this situation dangerously extends clinical response times, compromising patient survival and neurological prognosis. The association labels ULS Braga’s stance as severe, illegal, and unacceptable.
In a statement, ULS Braga confirmed that recent weeks saw limitations in conducting emergency endovascular treatment for acute ischemic strokes outside normal hours (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
ULS Braga stated that the suspension of out-of-hours activities arose from the unwillingness of its neuroradiologists to provide on-call services without guaranteed payment at rates they demand under Order No. 355/2024/1, effective since January 1, 2025.
According to this ULS, legal terms stipulate that each endovascular treatment act for aneurysm embolization requires a payment of 1,200 euros to the neuroradiologist.
However, these professionals argue that these procedures should involve two neuroradiologists, demanding 1,200 euros each per procedure.
The administration considers this interpretation disproportionate and unequal, given the rates applicable to complex procedures in other specialties, and says it doesn’t align with the literal wording of current legislation.
Therefore, respecting the principle of legality, ULS Braga’s administration asserts it cannot authorize the requested payments, to avoid financial liability for unauthorized expenses.
The FNAM, through the North Doctors’ Union (SMN), interprets the law differently.
FNAM counters that despite clear legal regulations, ULS Braga consistently ignores their application, unlike other Northern regional units like ULS São João, ULS Santo António, and ULS Gaia/Espinho, where payments follow existing laws.
SMN has already demanded that ULS Braga rectify this situation retroactively from January 1, 2025, by August 31, 2025.
If payments aren’t made by then, SMN threatens to file complaints with the Inspectorate-General of Health Activities and in court.
ULS Braga responds by stating there’s no prior decision or legal framework enabling this request.
Due to the lack of agreement and the inability to make retroactive payments without legal support, ULS Braga has sought formal guidance from the Executive Directorate of the National Health Service. They await directions to ensure public interest, continuity of care, and harmonize practices across NHS institutions.
