Portugal's Cost Crisis Forces Families to Choose Between Medication and Basics

Rising living costs are forcing many in Portugal to rethink essential spending. As the energy crisis pushes up prices, even tightly regulated pharmacy goods are becoming harder to afford. Some consumers now face tough choices between prescriptions and other basic needs. The war-driven energy crisis has sent costs soaring across Europe, and pharmaceuticals are no exception. In Portugal, where medicine prices are among the most strictly controlled, households still spend an average of €148.30 per year on medications. This figure represents 0.73% of the mean annual salary—the highest share among comparable nations like Spain, Italy, France, and Belgium.

Data from the EQUALMED equity index shows the problem worsening between 2022 and 2025. While only 4% of French residents struggle to afford prescriptions, 16.1% of Portuguese people report similar difficulties. Pharmacists confirm the trend, noting that customers are now cutting back on other expenses just to keep up with medication costs. For many, the strain is becoming unbearable. Some are even considering skipping prescription refills altogether as budgets stretch thinner.

The financial burden of medicines in Portugal now exceeds that of neighbouring countries. With energy-driven inflation adding pressure, more households may face impossible trade-offs. Without relief, the share of people struggling to afford essential treatments could continue to climb.