Portuguese Doctors Announce Nationwide Strike for October 24 Amidst Stalled Negotiations

Doctors Set for Nationwide Walkout on October 24

Lisbon, Portugal – The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) has announced a nationwide strike set for October 24, 2025, following what it describes as a breakdown in negotiations with the Portuguese Ministry of Health. The decision, reported on October 16, comes amidst growing discontent over working conditions, remuneration, and proposed changes to the country's healthcare system.

Stalled Negotiations and Core Demands

FNAM President Joana Bordalo e Sá stated that the strike is a direct response to the government's 'refusal to truly negotiate with the medical profession' and its implementation of 'decisions that put the population at risk'. A meeting held on October 16 with Health Minister Ana Paula Martins failed to yield concrete agreements, with FNAM characterizing it as 'not a real negotiation meeting' but rather 'the presentation of a completed act'.

The doctors' primary demands include:

• Improved salary scales and valorization of medical careers.
• Better working conditions and a reduction in excessive workloads.
• Reversal of a regulatory measure that centralizes emergency services at a regional level.

FNAM specifically highlighted concerns that the centralization of emergency services would lead to the closure of obstetrics emergency rooms in areas like Barreiro and Setúbal, forcing pregnant women and newborns to travel significant distances to facilities in Almada, thereby compromising local care for 'almost a million people' in the south bank of the Tagus.

Impact on Healthcare and Broader Public Sector Unrest

The upcoming strike is expected to significantly impact consultations, surgeries, and other hospital services across Portugal. This medical strike will also coincide with a pre-existing Civil Service strike scheduled for the same day, October 24, amplifying the pressure on the government.

Doctors' representatives accuse the government of maintaining an inflexible stance and failing to address the human resources crisis within the Unified Health System (SUS). Long-standing issues such as inadequate compensation, with Portuguese doctors reportedly among the lowest paid in Europe, have led to professionals leaving the public sector for private practice or emigration, further straining the system.

Ministry of Health's Stance

In response to the strike announcement, the Ministry of Health expressed 'surprise and disappointment', asserting that negotiations remain open and that the Executive branch aims to reach an agreement that ensures the sustainability of the public health system. Minister Ana Paula Martins has previously faced criticism regarding her management of the healthcare sector.