FNAM Accuses Government of Leaving Hospitalized Patients Doctor‑less to Reinforce Emergency Units
FNAM says the latest regulation redirects internal emergency physicians to external units, jeopardising treatment for patients already admitted to hospitals.
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- The decree mandates doctors from internal emergencies to support overloaded external units
- FNAM warns that chronic and intensive‑care patients will face treatment gaps
- The government cites Decree‑Law 119/2026 incentives as justification
Details of the New Decree
Published on 22 October 2026 and effective from 23 October, decree 12901/2026 requires physicians scheduled for internal emergency care—whether on‑site or in preventive status—to reinforce external emergency departments when they are under pressure. The measure is linked to financial incentives established in Decree‑Law 119/2026 of 17 June.
FNAM’s Reaction and Demands
The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) argues that the policy endangers patient care inside hospitals, especially for chronic, intensive‑care and rehabilitation cases. FNAM calls on the government to:
- Conduct a comprehensive impact assessment before full implementation,
- Provide temporary staffing support to units experiencing doctor shortages,
- Develop alternative plans that guarantee uninterrupted patient treatment.
Government officials maintain the step is necessary to balance emergency department workloads and reduce waiting times.
Sources
FNAM acusa Governo de deixar doentes internados sem médico para reforçar urgências