Portugal Prepares to Return Three More Hospitals to Charitable Organizations

The Portuguese government is moving forward with plans to return three additional hospitals to the administration of misericórdias, continuing a policy of devolution. This initiative aims to transfer management of public healthcare facilities back to these traditional charitable organizations.

The transfer of the São João da Madeira hospital is scheduled to be finalized and take effect from November 1. This move is projected to incur costs of 14 million euros during its initial year of operation under the new management. The government appears to be proceeding with this transfer without any particular "obsession," indicating a methodical approach to the process.

Furthermore, the government reports that the process for returning the Santo Tirso hospital is "almost complete." This suggests a steady progression in the policy, with multiple facilities slated for transfer back to misericórdia oversight. The government's strategy appears to prioritize these specific transfers, preparing them for a new phase of management.