Portugal's nurses demand urgent reforms at 7th National Congress

The 7th National Nursing Congress began on May 14, 2026, in Gondomar, gathering around 7,000 nurses and over 1,000 students. The event kicked off with discussions on pressing challenges, including the ongoing nursing shortage and the need for stronger workforce policies. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro attended the opening and received the association’s gold medal for his government’s engagement with the sector.

Luís Filipe Barreira, president of the Portuguese Nurses Association, welcomed attendees by stressing the increasing importance of nurses in shaping Portugal’s healthcare future. He highlighted their expanding role in policy debates and patient care.

During a panel on workforce challenges, policymakers and experts examined the causes of the nursing shortage. Isabel Fernandes argued that better professional recognition and greater autonomy were essential to keeping nurses in the system. Cláudia Estevão, a nurse and lawmaker, pushed for concrete retention incentives that support nurses at every career stage. Prime Minister Montenegro used his speech to reaffirm the government’s commitment to working closely with nursing professionals. He pointed to progress already made, noting the addition of 2,126 nurses to the National Health Service (SNS) since his term began. Meanwhile, Ricardo Rosado of the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) warned that Portugal’s ageing population and shifting health needs demanded urgent retention strategies. The congress also focused on key demands, such as fairer economic recognition, expanded clinical autonomy, and the proposal to assign a dedicated family nurse to each patient.

The three-day event put workforce retention at the centre of discussions, with calls for policy changes to address both immediate shortages and long-term healthcare demands. Leaders from government and nursing associations agreed on the need for sustained dialogue and action to strengthen the profession’s future.