Montenegro maintains confidence in Health Minister amid National Health Service controversies

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed his continued confidence in Health Minister Ana Paula Martins on Friday, November 14, 2026. The Prime Minister made these statements to journalists following an informal summit of European Union leaders held in Dublin. The Prime Minister noted that the National Health Service (SNS) has experienced a significant increase in demand, seeing an influx of over 500,000 users over the last two and a half years.

While discussing the current state of the health system, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that the Minister is doing her job and that the current situation is more complex than it was two and a half years ago. He acknowledged that not everything is going well and noted that decisions must be made when things go wrong.

Recent challenges in the health sector

The National Health Service has faced several recent controversies. Following deaths at the Portimão Hospital, the President of the Board of Directors of the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS) was dismissed, according to Portuguese media. In a separate incident, the President of the Aveiro Local Health Unit (ULS) was dismissed following an arrest on suspicion of corruption.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is focusing on various investments to stabilize the sector. These efforts include investments in infrastructure, equipment, management, and the retention of human resources. Regarding technical disruptions, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that government work was not significantly hindered by recent Microsoft service outages, according to Portuguese media.

Social and housing developments

On the same Friday, President António José Seguro met with representatives from the Lisbon and Porto encampments and the Casa para Viver platform. These discussions occurred alongside the Prime Minister's statements regarding the administration's priorities.

Regarding the housing crisis, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro declined to commit to meeting with representatives from the housing rights movement. The Prime Minister referred those individuals to the Secretary of State for Housing for further engagement. The administration continues to manage the pressures facing the National Health Service as it navigates the increased number of users and ongoing management changes.

Glossary

• National Health Service (SNS) — The National Health Service (SNS) is the system by which the State assures the right to the health protection, in the terms established by the Portuguese Constitution. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.
• Casa para Viver platform — The Casa para Viver platform is a group of organizations including trade unions, tenants unions, and municipal groups. These organizations demand that the government use vacant properties for the people.