Portugal Launches Elite Obstetrics and Gynecology Centers in 2026

President Marcelo has signed a decree to create High-Performance Centers in Obstetrics and Gynecology within the National Health Service. The centres will operate on a trial basis and aim to improve healthcare delivery in these specialities. They are set to open in early 2026. The centres will be located in hospitals with advanced clinical specialisation and high complexity. This placement ensures access to a range of highly specialised services, training, and research opportunities within the National Health Service.

Each centre will function as an autonomous management unit. It will use an innovative model to boost the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. The initiative includes performance-based incentives linked to productivity, service quality, and patient satisfaction.

A key goal is to persuade newly qualified specialists to stay in public service. The Ministry of Health also hopes to attract professionals who have previously left the sector back into the National Health Service. The centres are expected to begin operations in early 2026. They will provide advanced clinical care while supporting training and research. The trial initiative seeks to strengthen the National Health Service by improving staff retention and service quality.