The new law stipulates that junior doctors may work up to 12 additional hours per week in emergency or intensive care units, but only if it is "indispensable to ensure the normal operation" of health services and facilities.

In January of this year, the Deputy Secretary of State and Health told Lusa that the Government was finalising the medical internship bill, which limits the work of junior doctors in emergency and intensive care to a maximum of 12 hours per week, with the possibility of doing an extra 12-hour shift.