In Portugal, Health is a pillar of our society, with universal coverage guaranteed by the National Health Service (SNS) and a diverse network of public and private hospitals and clinics. But, despite the System’s breadth, its effectiveness faces structural challenges that should not be ignored.
The SNS has advanced in human resources and infrastructure in recent years, with doctors and nurses growing in number and the total number of registered users increasing to more than 10.6 million, according to data corresponding to 2025. However, only around 58% of citizens report being satisfied with the availability of quality care, a clear sign that having services and professionals is not enough, effective leadership and competent management are needed to transform these resources into tangible results.
Our country spends more than 10% of its GDP on Health, a figure higher than the OECD average, but invests less in prevention than many comparable countries, which reflects a gap in the ability to plan and manage resources strategically. Additionally, wait times for appointments continue to be one of users’ top complaints, with lists increasing by more than 25% last year compared to 2024.
The root of these challenges is not just in numbers, but in the quality of management. Good leaders are not just administrators of routines, they are strategists who anticipate needs, articulate technology with processes, promote innovation and create organizational cultures centered on patients and efficiency. This is a sector that requires skills that go far beyond clinical knowledge. Capacity, such as financial conduct, governancedata analysis, team leadership and strategic communication are central to facing a complex and constantly changing system.
Manager training in Portugal still does not meet this need. Although academic programs and executive training initiatives exist, many professionals who assume leadership positions arrive in these roles without specific preparation in healthcare administration. This limits the ability to make informed decisions, implement improvements and, ultimately, maximize the impact of public and private resources invested in the health of the Portuguese.
Investing in management training is not a luxury, it is a matter of social and economic sustainability. In times of budget constraints, demographic aging and accelerated technological evolution, we need leaders who know how to combine strategic vision with operational efficiency. Only in this way will we build more resilient, innovative health institutions capable of meeting people’s real needs.
The future of this area, so important for a society like ours, depends less on infinite budgets and more on competent direction, continuous training and leadership with purpose. This must be the collective priority now.
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