The portuguese national health service: characterization, classification and perspective

Abstract

The Portuguese health system is recognized internationally by the National Health Service, universal and generally free of charge for all citizens. Like any health system, the portuguese involves, in its governance, political, economic and care components that articulate with one another and characterize the way care is provided from admission, prevention, diagnosis and even treatment and rehabilitation. The Portuguese National Health Service depends on a budget, on the political strategy, on the administration models and on the whole set of services and availability from primary care, hospital care and continued care. The organization of this whole system is a challenge for managers and has the best management capacity, requires dedicated and qualified professionals and still needs a continuous investment in technology, information and communication system and therapeutic innovation. In this article, we intend to characterize the Portuguese National Health Service, demonstrate its functioning, present the main critical points and the strategies that are underway to achieve better health care and management.