The measure was approved in the specialised vote, within the framework of a proposal from the Socialist parliamentary group for the creation of a plan to attract and retain doctors in the National Health Service (SNS) and other public sector entities, composed of seven clauses, five of which were rejected.

One of the two approved clauses stipulates that the program for emigrant doctors who wish to return to the country should include administrative simplification measures, tax and financial incentives, as well as immediate access to the Return Program.

The second approved measure refers to the creation and strengthening of the network of daycare centers with schedules and operating conditions adapted to the needs of healthcare professionals, in coordination with local health units (ULS), municipalities, and entities in the social and solidarity sector.

To this end, extended and flexible hours must be ensured, adapted to the shifts and work schedules in force in public health services, including, whenever necessary, operation at night and on weekends, the proposal stipulates.

Collecting money from foreign patients

The Chega party also saw its proposal approved for the government to ensure, next year, that ULS have the necessary technical and financial means to collect the costs of healthcare provided to non-resident foreigners who do not have coverage through insurance, protocol, or international agreement.

The now-approved proposal indicates that, according to the General Inspectorate of Health Activities (IGAS), from 2021 to September 2024, almost 330,000 non-resident foreigners were treated in the SNS (National Health Service) emergency rooms, of which 43% did not have any valid coverage, with “significant financial consequences”.

“Only five Local Health Units (ULS) report debts exceeding €1.2 million related to care provided to this group of people,” it says.