“The SNS’s expenditure on medicines continues to trend upwards, reflecting the enhanced access for citizens to healthcare services and therapeutic innovation […]. As of September 2025, there was a 13.1% increase (+162 million euros) in outpatient spending and an increase of 14.9% (+257 million euros) in hospital spending,” read a joint statement from the Ministry of Health, SNS, and Infarmed – National Authority for Medicines and Health Products.
It was reported today that hospital medication expenditure reached nearly two million euros during this period.
From January to September, 152 million packages of medications were dispensed in outpatient settings at community pharmacies, an increase of 6% compared to the same period in 2024.
In hospitals, the increase was 9%.
The increase in usage results from access to healthcare, the expansion of SNS users, the implementation of co-payment measures, and access to innovative medicines, it was noted.
The growth figures in expenditure do not account for the total contributions from pharmaceutical industry refunds to the SNS within the scope of funding agreements.
These figures will only be determined after December, it was cautioned.
Moreover, the agreement with APIFARMA – Portuguese Pharmaceutical Industry Association stipulates that if the net medication expenditure growth rate exceeds 7% over the previous year, the industry will contribute additionally to mitigate this rise.
By therapeutic area, the main increase in expenditure at Local Health Units (ULS) continues to be in oncology, with an increase of 122.1 million euros compared to the same period last year.
The increase in use of Pembrolizumab (21.6 million euros), indicated for various cancer types, stands out.
Conversely, expenditure on the national vaccination program rose by 27 million euros compared to 2024.
In the opposite direction, spending on medications for treating RA/Psoriasis/IBD decreased by 4.8 million euros.
This decrease is attributed to the market introduction of the ustekinumab biosimilar medication.
Increased utilization and expenditure in outpatient settings are due to medications for the most prevalent diseases in the country, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
The share of generic medicine usage in hospitals is approximately 56.9% in 2025.
