The history of health policies in Portugal: a look at recent trends

Abstract

The perspectives about the Portuguese health system evolution recognize that the creation and expansion of the National Health Service (NHS) are placed in the political and social democratization of the country. In addition to allow for the health care coverage of the Portuguese population in a relatively short period, the NHS presents itself as the right to health main guarantee. However, the current economic and financial crisis affecting Portugal and, in a widespread context, the entire European continent, has stimulated the debate and space for a public health policies reform. Pinpointed on the argumentation around unsustainability and efficiency, the evaluation of the Portuguese health system is characterized by an incremental approach to privatization, mainly on health care management and delivery. The individual responsibility and the principle of user pay support the presence of private actors on the Portuguese health system. Through a critical review of the health policies development in Portugal, this article presents a historical outlook of the right to health and its future challenges.