Portugal center-right government wants to stop non-resident foreigners from using the state health service (SNS). They believe this change is needed to protect resources and reduce unfair use of the system. The move comes as the government faces increasing pressure to ensure the sustainability of public healthcare for residents.

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Government Limit Health Service Access For Non-Residents

Many non-residents have been treated in Portugal often for free. Officials say this has put a strain on the SNS. Some people even come to Portugal just to get medical care they cannot afford or find in their own countries. This trend has raised questions about fairness and the long term impact on healthcare availability for Portuguese citizens.

One example involves twin girls from Brazil. They came to Portugal for a very expensive drug treatment. The Portuguese health service paid for this treatment. Cases like this have raised concerns about how the system is being used. Such high cost cases are becoming more frequent which leads to fears that they could overwhelm the SNS budget.

Social Democratic Party (PSD) MP and former head of the Order of Physicians Miguel Guimarães supports these changes. He says the problem started with the Basic Health Law created by the previous government.

This law opened the door for non-residents to use the SNS unfairly according to him. He believes revisiting this legislation is key to preventing future misuse and ensuring resources are allocated properly.

Government Proposal

The government’s plan is simple. Non residents will need to show proof of health insurance and identification to use the SNS. The only exception will be for emergencies or life threatening situations. This proposal aims to set clear boundaries and ensure the system is not exploited.

Guimarães says these rules will make the system fairer. People living in Portugal and paying taxes will no longer lose out. He also says the SNS will have more resources to help those who need it most. This includes improving wait times and availability of specialized treatments for residents.

The government believes some groups are encouraging medical tourism to Portugal. These groups might help people access free healthcare here. Guimarães says this reduces the SNS’s ability to help the local population. Officials hope to address the root of the problem by targeting these networks.

The Cost Of Medical Tourism

Portugal’s health service is very famous for its quality. It is also affordable for users. But resources are limited and demand from non-residents is growing. This has made it harder for hospitals to treat patients quickly. Expensive treatments are especially affected with limited funds being stretched further than intended.

The government hopes to protect taxpayers by asking for proof of health coverage. Officials say this will stop the SNS from being used unfairly and keep it running well for those who need it. They argue that this measure is not about closing doors but about ensuring the system’s sustainability for future generations.

Parliament Reaction To The Proposal

Not everyone agrees with the government’s plan. PSD and CDS parties support this idea and said that it is necessary. They believe it will save money and ensure the system works for residents. They also argue that the policy aligns with practices in other countries that limit healthcare access for non-residents.

Critics are worried about the impact. Some think foreigners might avoid seeking care even in emergencies. This could put lives at risk and strain emergency services further.

Others say it will harm Portugal’s image as a friendly and welcoming country. Tourism and international relations will also be affected if the policy is seen as exclusionary.

The Socialist Party which introduced the Basic Health Law defends its position. They argue the SNS should remain open to everyone. They warn against making changes that will go against the principles of fairness and compassion.

The party believes that a more balanced approach is needed to address misuse without excluding those in genuine need.

This debate highlights a global problem. Many public health systems struggle to balance fairness and sustainability. Portugal’s SNS has been praised for helping everyone in need.

But growing demand from non-residents is making this harder to maintain. Policymakers must consider both financial realities and the ethical implications of their decisions.

Guimarães says all political parties should work together on this issue. He said that we need to stop the misuse of the SNS.

He also believes people should pay for care if they do not live in Portugal or contribute to the system. Collaboration across political lines could lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.

Lawmakers need to agree on the best way forward. The goal is to protect the SNS while staying fair and humane. Public consultations and expert opinions may also play a role in shaping the final policy.