SNS would benefit from following the English model, which has a greater mix of professionals

Público reports on a study by the Center for Planning and Public Policy Evaluation (Planapp) that draws a comparison between Portugal's National Health Service (SNS) and the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS). The study's findings suggest that the SNS could significantly improve its sustainability and responsiveness by adopting elements of the English model.

A central recommendation from the Planapp study is the need for a greater "articulation between different profiles and competencies" within the SNS. The NHS, in contrast, is noted for its diversity of functions and professional roles, which are less prevalent in the Portuguese system. This diversity is seen as crucial for enhancing the capacity to meet healthcare demands.

To achieve a "strategic reinforcement" of human resources, the study advocates for diversifying the composition of healthcare teams, investing in intermediate professional roles, enhancing the value of allied health professions, and fostering better integration between different levels of care and between health and social support services. Público frames these recommendations as a potential pathway for modernizing and strengthening Portugal's public healthcare system, emphasizing a more collaborative and multi-skilled approach to patient care.