The promulgation of the decree, which amends Decree-Law No. 53/2007 of March 8, regulating pharmacy opening hours, was announced in a note published on the Presidency of the Republic's website. According to the note, the President approved the decree, "noting, however, several points where specific solutions may present difficulties in full implementation."

The decree-law, which "redefines the model and criteria for approving the permanent service shift schedules of community pharmacies," was approved by the Council of Ministers on October 27.

According to the Government, this change is in line with “the commitment to a network of local care, based on the direct and coordinated involvement of all public, private and social institutions operating locally”.

Contacted today by the Lusa news agency, the Ministry of Health stated only that “the decree has been promulgated and will now proceed to publication in the Official Gazette, as is customary”, which should happen “soon”.

Público reported on October 5 that the Government intended to update the minimum criteria for the operation of pharmacies outside normal hours, adapting the response to emergencies in the National Health Service (SNS), private health units and the social sector.

The newspaper added that the new legislation adapts to the reality of the health system (SNS, private and social) and incorporates changes made during the pandemic that were not yet formalized.

For example, according to the information released, in municipalities with a population of less than 2,500 inhabitants per pharmacy, with up to four pharmacies and without SNS (Portuguese public health system), private or social emergency services, at least one pharmacy must be open until two hours after the health centre closes.

The Portuguese Association of Pharmacies (AFP) warned at the time about the importance of any change to the minimum service regime in pharmacies, guaranteeing the “effective benefit” for users and economic and operational viability.

In a statement, the AFP said it was following “carefully” the proposed change to the minimum service regime and operating hours of pharmacies, recognizing the importance of “adapting the sector's response to the current reality of the health system,” including coordination with public, private and social sector emergency units.

However, it warned that the effective benefit for users and the economic and operational viability of pharmacies are an “indispensable condition” for maintaining the local network that daily ensures health care for millions of Portuguese people.