The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) has issued a statement highlighting ongoing concerns that physicians are being driven away from the National Health Service (SNS) due to inadequate salaries approaching minimum wage levels, excessive workloads, and a lack of basic conditions necessary for quality healthcare delivery.
The federation outlined several proposals aimed at addressing the crisis within the SNS. These proposals focus on restoring the purchasing power of doctors, enhancing medical career opportunities, establishing an optional and increased regime of exclusivity, streamlining recruitment processes, and removing quotas on career progression.
FNAM also emphasized the need for reintegrating interns into the medical career path, restoring vacation days “removed during austerity,” and strengthening parental support measures for doctors.
“The next Minister of Health must listen to FNAM and act without delay to ensure that the working conditions of doctors are dignified, and that the SNS remains the cornerstone of public health in Portugal, accessible to all citizens regardless of their economic status,” the statement asserts.
The AD (PSD/CDS-PP), under the leadership of the current Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, emerged victorious in the Sunday legislative elections, securing 89 parliamentary seats. The results from overseas voters, however, are pending and will be finalized on May 28.
