A distress call to my local SNS Health Centre brought a home visit within six hours by a highly motivated doctor who ordered immediate tests and analysis following which effective medicines were prescribed.

Twenty years ago I underwent a triple bypass operation in a private hospital and six years ago a pacemaker was inserted at a public hospital. Professional standards at both were equally excellent but the after-care of the SNS was superb.

Ms. Pam Randall wishes to inform and warn everyone “how useless is the Portuguese system”. To the contrary, I would warmly recommend the SNS services to all residents of Portugal. It is not a poor relation of the private sector (which merits respect) but should be the first choice for the medical needs of the hoi polloi.

Roberto Knight Cavaleiro.
By email