Portugal to reward emergency locum doctors with new bonus scheme

Portugal’s government is set to introduce a new pay scheme for locum doctors working emergency shifts in the public health system. The Cabinet will soon approve a decree that outlines bonuses based on 48-hour work blocks. Negotiations with medical unions over the exact percentage are still ongoing. The bonus system applies to doctors who complete at least 48 hours of weekend work and agree to an extra shift. If they fulfil the hours—or remain available but are not called in due to low demand—they qualify for the payment. The bonus increases by 20% for those meeting these conditions.

The payment is calculated as a percentage of the doctor’s base salary but does not count toward other supplementary earnings. It also remains separate from standard remuneration. Before accessing this bonus, doctors must first use up their existing supplementary work hours: 250 for full-time staff and 150 for part-time.

Oversight of additional work beyond legal annual limits will be handled by the clinical director and the head of the emergency department. Their role ensures both staff and patient safety remain a priority. The new decree aims to regulate emergency shift pay more clearly. Doctors will receive bonuses based on completed 48-hour blocks, with stricter monitoring of overtime. The scheme does not replace existing supplementary hours but offers extra compensation for additional shifts.