SNS Waitlists: Minister Says It’s Impossible To End.
Portugal’s national health service, the SNS, has seen a large increase in patients. The service is struggling to meet demand. The government is working to create new clinical trial centers.
Health Minister Ana Paula Martins reported a rise of 668,000 new patients in the national registry over the last three years. Director Álvaro Almeida explained that it’s difficult to reduce waiting times and provide family doctors. He said there aren’t enough specialized resources. The government believes clinical trial centers are important. This situation presents a major problem for the healthcare system in Portugal.
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Highlights
SNS Response Intensity
The Health Minister says the national health service responded intensely recently.
Patient Registry Increase
668,000 new patients registered in the national patient registry over three years.
Clinical Trial Centers Needed
The government wants to build clinical trial centers.
Waitlists Uneliminable
The SNS director says eliminating waitlists is impossible.
Resource Shortages Problem
Lack of specialized resources prevents ending waitlists and family doctors.