Carlos Cortes, bastonário, criticized the lack of concrete actions for the National Health Service, arguing that practical measures are needed instead of "fine words". His statements come at a time when the NHS faces significant operational challenges and retention of healthcare professionals.
The bastonário emphasized the importance of defending the legacy of António Arnaut, founder of the NHS. Carlos Cortes considered it fundamental to preserve the principles and values with which the public health service was created, guaranteeing universal access to healthcare.
Among the priorities outlined, Carlos Cortes highlighted the need to work on retaining doctors in Portugal. The exodus of healthcare professionals abroad and to the private sector has been an ongoing concern in the sector.
The official called for "concrete actions for the people," emphasizing that measures must have a direct impact on the lives of NHS users. This demand comes in the context of recurring criticism about the shortage of human resources and the long waiting lists in the Portuguese public health system.
