Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Urges Political Unity for Stability in Portugal's Healthcare System

President's Return and Health System Update

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa returned in the early hours of Thursday from an official trip to the Netherlands. After attending the RTP Hospitals Christmas event, the President addressed the state of healthcare in Portugal, emphasizing the need for political understanding to ensure "the minimum of stability" in the National Health Service (SNS).

INEM Agreement Signed

In a significant development, an agreement was signed between INEM technicians and the Government, which the President deemed favorable for the country. He announced a new regime for INEM, stating, "There have been changes in teams and organizational structure."

He remarked, "It's good news", highlighting the importance of finding a more effective operational model for INEM and ensuring collaboration between INEM workers and the State. When asked if this would help avoid future strikes, he affirmed that this step was taken with that goal in mind.

Call for Stability in Healthcare

On the issue of a potential regime pact, Rebelo de Sousa stressed that "it would be beneficial if fundamental aspects of healthcare did not change with every new government, as is the case with education." He pointed out that changes in government often lead to shifts in direction, which should maintain at least some level of stability.

"Adjusting the healthcare system, particularly the SNS, takes time and costs money... it is wasted time and poorly spent money if there is no minimum stability," he said, advocating for agreement among political forces.

Video Statement

Watch the President's statement here.