The enactment of the diploma amending Decree-Law No. 53/2007 of March 8, which regulates the operating hours of pharmacies, was announced in a note published on the website of the Presidency of the Republic. According to this note, the President approved the diploma, though acknowledging several issues where specific solutions might face challenges in full implementation.
The decree-law, which “redefines the model and criteria for the approval of the permanent service shifts for pharmacies,” was approved in the Council of Ministers on October 27.
The government states that this change aligns with “a commitment to a network of proximity care, based on the direct and coordinated involvement of all public, private, and social institutions operating locally.”
Contacted by Lusa agency today, the Ministry of Health mentioned only that “the diploma was enacted and will now proceed to publication in the Diário da República,” which should occur “soon.”
An article on October 5 noted that the government intended to update the minimum criteria for pharmacy operations outside normal hours, adapting the response to the needs of the National Health Service (SNS), private health units, and the social sector.
The report highlighted that the new legislation adapts to the reality of the health system (SNS, private, and social) and incorporates changes made during the pandemic, which had not yet been formalized.
For instance, in municipalities with a population of fewer than 2,500 inhabitants per pharmacy, with up to four pharmacies and no emergencies from the SNS, private or social sectors, at least one pharmacy must remain open for assistance up to two hours after the health center closes.
The Association of Pharmacies of Portugal (AFP) emphasized the importance of any changes to the minimum service regime ensuring the “effective benefit” for users, as well as the economic and operational viability.
In a statement, the AFP expressed close monitoring of the proposed changes to the minimum service regime and pharmacy operating hours, recognizing the importance of “adapting the sector’s response to the current reality of the health system,” including articulation with public, private, and social emergency units.
However, they warned that the effective benefit to users and the economic and operational viability of pharmacies are “indispensable conditions” for maintaining the proximity network that daily provides healthcare to millions of Portuguese.
