In a press conference at the parliament, Paulo Muacho explained that one of the measures proposed for discussion involves the hiring of clinical coordinators, a role the party suggests creating, for all areas of the SNS 24, highlighting that this line has “gained increasing importance.”
In the project, Livre expresses the intention to establish this position to “enhance clinical oversight, update protocols, and ensure the quality and uniformity of care provided to patients.”
Regarding career development within the SNS, Livre proposes allowing the inclusion of service time performed by professionals in similar roles in the private or social sectors when they join the public sector.
The party also advocates that “when any local health unit” hires temporary medical or nursing staff under the same conditions, it must “obligatorily open a vacancy for a permanent position.”
Livre supports greater investment in disease prevention, proposing that expenses related to sports and physical activity be eligible as healthcare expenses for IRS deductions, “not as general expenses, as is currently the case.”
“The inclusion of sports expenses in the tax deduction regime is justified by the proven benefits of regular physical exercise in preventing various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes, as well as improving mental health and the overall quality of life of populations,” the party argues in the rationale accompanying the initiative.
Paulo Muacho further indicated that Livre plans to propose strengthening the sexual and reproductive health program and making it mandatory for the state to cover the travel costs of women who need to relocate to another health unit for a voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG).
According to the Livre deputy, the party submits proposals for budget amendments on both the expenditure and revenue sides to ensure the balance of public finances.
However, Muacho added that he disagrees with the “government’s view that there is little room,” advocating for a specialized discussion where necessary proposals can be introduced to address the nation’s needs.
Paulo Muacho, speaking immediately after the President of the Republic’s speech at ISCTE regarding the SNS, stated that he agrees with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s perspective on some issues while disagreeing on others. He emphasized, as the Livre spokesperson had already supported, that the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, “has increasingly fewer conditions to continue in office.”
For the deputy, “it is becoming more difficult to justify maintaining the path the government has taken,” and the health minister’s policy is a “failure” recognized by “all Portuguese citizens questioned about whether healthcare has improved or not.”
