This conclusion comes from a study released by the Observatory of the Portuguese Society Behavioral Insights Unit at the Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, which assessed Portuguese concerns about housing, migration flows, and health.

In the area of ​​health, the results of the survey conducted between July 10th and 18th reveal marked dissatisfaction with the functioning of the SNS.

Among the 1,134 respondents, aged between 20 and 69, 89.6% believe that the current state of the SNS is leading to a deterioration in the quality of services provided, and 85.1% fear not receiving the necessary care in the event of illness.

Similarly, 84.6% even fear that the SNS could negatively affect their quality of life, and about eight in 10 worry about paying more for healthcare.

Looking at specific situations, the study finds that 37.4% admitted to having postponed appointments or treatments with some frequency due to long wait times, a pattern that, according to the authors, "evidences that waiting lists continue to represent a significant obstacle" for some people, with "implications for equity and continuity of care."

The responsibility is attributed primarily to the government, whose performance is a source of dissatisfaction for more than half of those interviewed (64.2%), but also to the current Health Department, criticized by 56.8%.

On the other hand, 57.3% expressed satisfaction with doctors, nurses, and auxiliary technicians.

Despite their negative assessment of the Unified Health System (SUS), many continue not to see private health plans as an alternative, and about four in ten say they feel no need to resort to this option.

Thus, health care represents a small portion of most families' expenses, and for more than half of those interviewed (62.5%), spending in this area does not exceed 10% of their income.