A meeting between Ana Paula Martins and the newly formed Association of Service Provider Doctors is scheduled for 09:00 today in Lisbon, confirmed by the Ministry.
The meeting is centered on the regulation of medical work under service provision, approved by the Council of Ministers on October 24. This regulation aims to standardize the hourly rates for doctors without ties to the National Health Service (SNS) and includes a system of incompatibilities.
Hospitals have increasingly turned to hiring so-called temporary doctors to address the shortage of specialists, particularly in emergency services, leading to an expense exceeding 230 million euros in 2024.
At the end of October, the Health Minister acknowledged that the Government aims to save up to 100 million euros on these services, estimating that 29 million could be saved as early as next year.
The new regime also allows doctors in incompatible situations to join the SNS. This acts as a “fast track” for professionals seeking to establish a public service relationship, provided a vacancy exists in the relevant local health unit.
Following the Government’s announcement, doctors without employment ties to the SNS formed an association to meet with Ana Paula Martins, seeking clarity on the changes to the service provision regime.
Earlier this month, around a thousand doctors, organized in a ‘WhatsApp’ group, considered the possibility of emergency department strikes upon the publication of the Government’s decree. However, the newly created association decided against such actions until the new legislation is understood.
