Portugal’s public health service (SNS) is facing a serious problem. Over 300 junior doctors have decided to leave the system and not take up specialized training. This has left more than 30% of the available specialist training positions unfilled.
The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) warns that the SNS is struggling to provide the conditions young doctors need. Out of 2,167 training vacancies, many in key areas like General and Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Public Health remain empty. FNAM blames poor working conditions, excessive workloads, and lack of proper training support.
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Portugal Health Service Crisis
Portugal’s SNS has been praised in the past for its accessibility. Young doctors today face many challenges. FNAM says the system is not offering them the tools to succeed.
Doctors who finish their general medical training have three choices. They can seek specialized training abroad, work in the SNS as non-specialist doctors, or move to private healthcare. Many are choosing the last two options.
FNAM highlighted:
The lack of uptake is particularly worrying in core specialties such as General and Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Public Health
FNAM says this problem is hurting the future of healthcare in Portugal. The federation stated:
By deciding not to choose a place for training in a specialty, doctors choose to undertake specialised training abroad or work as non-specialist doctors providing services in the SNS, or in the private sector. Only with the implementation of measures that guarantee quality training, decent working conditions and an attractive career will it be possible to maintain the level of excellence in health care
FNAM is urging the government to act. It says the Ministry of Health has lost trust among both doctors and patients. The federation believes poor management has caused the current crisis.
It is calling for negotiations to fix these issues. FNAM warns that if nothing is done the SNS will continue to lose doctors and the quality of care will drop.
Junior Doctors Face Challenges
The challenges facing junior doctors are not just about statistics. A recent case in the Algarve shows how personal these issues can be.
A junior doctor in the region spoke out about practices she believed were harming patients. Some praised her courage but others criticized her. She faced backlash even though investigations supported her concerns in many cases.
The doctor reported 12 cases of alleged malpractice. Inspectors found strong evidence of wrongdoing in half of them. She now faces legal action from one of the surgeons involved.
The doctor expressed her disappointment online. She wrote about feeling unsupported by a system that should protect those who speak out.
The loss of junior doctors is not a new issue but it is getting worse. Specialized training is essential for any healthcare system to thrive. These doctors become experts in fields like family medicine, surgery, and public health.
In Portugal, leaving these training positions unfilled creates extra pressure on current staff. Overworked doctors struggle to provide high-quality care. This discourages more young professionals from staying in the SNS.
Doctors Move To Abroad And Private Healthcare
Many young Portuguese doctors are choosing to train in other countries. Nations like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands offer better working conditions, higher salaries, and more structured training programs.
This trend is costly for Portugal. The state invests heavily in training medical students only to lose them to other countries.
Some doctors choose to work in Portugal’s private healthcare system instead. Private hospitals often offer better salaries, modern facilities, and more manageable workloads.
The private sector provides opportunities for doctors but it cannot replace a strong public health system. The SNS is essential for making healthcare accessible to everyone especially vulnerable populations.
FNAM Demands
FNAM has proposed several steps to address the crisis in Portugal’s health service. First, improving working conditions is essential. This includes reducing excessive workloads and providing better support to doctors so they can focus on delivering quality care.
Second, investing in specialized training is crucial. Programs must meet high standards and offer clear career progression to encourage doctors to stay in the public system.
To keep good doctors from leaving for better jobs abroad or in the private sector, you need to pay them competitive wages.
Doctors should not be afraid to report problems for fear of being punished. They should also work to make the workplace a place where patient safety and professional honesty are valued. FNAM argues that these measures are essential for rebuilding trust and ensuring the long-term success of the SNS.
These changes would help retain doctors and improve care for patients.
The departure of junior doctors shows deeper problems that need urgent attention. FNAM has called for negotiations to solve the crisis, but time is running out. If the government does not act soon, the SNS will lose more doctors.
