However, the measure is not expected to increase health risks for patients, which “should always be the main priority when making clinical decisions, taking into account that a Caesarean section can bring clear health benefits to the patient and their child, but its misuse poses increased risks for both,” according to the terms of reference for contracting health care in the National Health Service (SNS) for 2018.
The document from the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) pegs payment of Caesarean admission episodes to the rate of Caesareans at each hospital, and in the case of perinatal support hospitals, funding will stop when the rate is higher than 29.5 percent. With respect to hospitals with premium perinatal support, financing stops when the rate exceeds 31.5 percent
For hospitals with rates above 29.5 percent and 31.5 percent, the contract for 2018 guarantees funding only when the rates are reduced by over 5 percent.
The programme for Medically Assisted Procreation (PMA) continues to be a priority for the Ministry of Health and a specific health programme that involves state hospitals will continue next year, to improve access to infertility diagnosis and treatment.