The Ministry of Health stated on Thursday that the State Budget for 2026 demands efficiency and reduced waste but assured that this does not imply a decrease in healthcare services for users.
This statement comes a day after a report indicated that the Executive Directorate of the National Health Service instructed hospitals to cut expenses in 2026, even if it meant slowing down the increasing number of surgeries, consultations, and other healthcare services. The ministry released a note regarding the proposed State Budget for the health sector.
“The Ministry of Health clarifies that the State Budget for 2026 is demanding in terms of efficiency and waste reduction, but this requirement does not equate to a reduction in healthcare services for users,” shared the ministry under Ana Paula Martins.
The ministry proposes an optimization of existing resources, increasing centralized procurement, including gas, energy, medical devices, medications, and non-urgent patient transport.
An increase in the number of medical consultations and surgeries is also expected, along with a significant improvement in the percentage of surgeries performed on an outpatient basis and the percentage of patients under home hospitalization.
For the list of patients awaiting surgery, the ministry predicts an improvement in the percentage of registrations within the Maximum Guaranteed Response Times.
The Ministry of Health also intends to increase the referral rate of patients to the National Network for Integrated Continued Care.
Regarding the coverage rate of oncological screenings, they are expected to rise from 14.95% to 33.30%, with no further details provided.
The ministry also aims to optimize spending on drug procurement through greater use of biosimilar and generic medications.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister admitted there was a directive, which he endorsed, for greater healthcare efficiency but denied any cuts, reiterating confidence in Health Minister Ana Paula Martins.
When questioned about the news report, Luís Montenegro stated that “cutting” is not the correct term, as there is no directive to reduce spending.
Montenegro added that there is a “very demanding directive,” which he supports, aiming for greater efficiency and “resource optimization.”
“We do not want to cut anything. It involves better management, fighting waste, making better choices in purchasing goods and services to ensure the resources we need, enabling a favorable remuneration policy to attract and retain more healthcare professionals in the system,” he explained.
