Portuguese Communist leader slams failing healthcare system and demands urgent reforms

Paulo Raimundo, secretary-general of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), has criticised the current state of the National Health Service (SNS). He described the situation as unjustifiable and called for immediate policy changes to address long-standing issues in healthcare access. Raimundo highlighted severe difficulties in accessing family doctors. Without one, patients face long waits just to enter the system. Even when appointments are available, more than half of those waiting in line fail to secure a spot.

Access to password appointments for health services only opens every three months. This delay leaves many without necessary care for extended periods. Raimundo also pointed to chronic underfunding of SNS facilities as a root cause of the problem. To tackle these issues, he proposed several measures. These include increasing staffing levels across the SNS and reopening emergency departments that have been closed. His demands aim to reduce waiting times and improve overall access to healthcare.

The PCP leader insists on urgent reforms to fix the SNS. His proposals focus on boosting resources and restoring services to meet patient needs. Without these changes, access to essential healthcare will likely remain strained for many.