Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated on Wednesday that he is unaware of any list forecasting cuts in the health sector, particularly concerning medications. Montenegro emphasized the necessity of resource optimization.
“The fight against waste and incorrect or even fraudulent use of this investment [18 billion euros] – which is the money of the Portuguese people – is crucial to make health services more efficient. And it aligns with the guidance given to health unit administrations, aimed at forecasting greater resource optimization, including financial resources,” he explained to journalists in Lisbon when asked about the analyses being conducted by the Health Activities Inspection General, citing the establishment of a Fraud Combat Commission in the National Health Service.
“Contrary to what is suggested, this is not achieved by cutting assistance or resources allocated to health units. It requires greater rigor and potentially more favorable negotiations with the main State suppliers – whether in medicine, equipment, or even human resources services,” he noted.
The Prime Minister was also questioned about an alleged list detailing planned cuts by the government, particularly in reducing costs not only in medications but also in hospital transportation or pacemakers. The report was published by the magazine Sábado on Wednesday. When asked about its validity, Montenegro replied: “I have no idea. I am not aware of this document. What I can say is that what matters to Portugal and the Portuguese is to secure the best possible deals with State suppliers.”
Referring to Paulo Macedo, current president of Caixa Geral de Depósitos and former Minister of Health from 2011 to 2015, he remarked, “During his tenure, we managed to reduce our expenses on medications by renegotiating purchasing terms, including promoting the use of generic medications.”
“There are measures that can be implemented in the NHS with more capacity, potentially generating savings and optimizing financial resources. This is what we aim for,” he stated.
