The National Health Service (SNS) celebrated 47 years of existence in 2026, having been created in 1979 at a time when clinical records were entirely done on paper and computing had a very limited presence in Portuguese hospitals.
Over nearly five decades, the SNS has undergone a profound digital transformation that fundamentally changed how health services are provided and managed in Portugal.
This technological evolution allowed the modernization of clinical processes, reduced dependency on paper, and integrated digital tools that facilitate the work of health professionals and improve service to users.
The SNS thus celebrates another anniversary marked by a significant change in its structure and functioning, reflecting adaptation to new technologies that have shaped public health in recent decades.
