The Council of Ministers, which convened today in Lisbon, announced that the government led by Luís Montenegro has “approved the final versions of two decrees related to the operation and organization of the National Health Service (SNS).”
One of these decrees pertains to a new centralized operational model for regional external emergency services, while the other establishes the Centers of High Performance in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CED-ObGin), intended to function as “autonomous management structures based on an innovative model, aimed at enhancing the attraction and retention of professionals,” according to the announcement.
On October 24, after the Council of Ministers meeting, the Minister of Health indicated that the legal framework creating these regional emergency units is to be applied “only and exclusively” in situations where continuity of emergency services is not ensured due to a lack of human resources, with the first facility expected to commence operations in the Setúbal Peninsula by early 2026.
Ana Paula Martins stated that it is anticipated that two or more local health units (ULS) from a given region might collaborate to concentrate emergency services.
Hospitals in the Setúbal Peninsula have experienced significant challenges due to a shortage of specialists to complete obstetrics and gynecology staffing, leading to the frequent temporary closure of emergency services.
Regarding the Centers of High Performance in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the government announced that they will begin experimental operations in 2026.
The Ministry of Health aims to offer a range of “highly specialized services, training, research” within the SNS, encouraging professionals to remain in public service after completing their residency and enticing some to return, noted Ana Paula Martins.
