In a written reply sent to Lusa News Agency, the head of the association, João Almeida Lopes, also praised the intention announced by the ministry of health to “eliminate the debt by the end of this year.”


Portugal’s under secretary of state of health, Francisco Ramos, said that the goal is, throughout this year, to “try to eliminate, or almost eliminate, late payments.”


For the association, the elimination of the debt of Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) “is an important sign for companies,” reinforcing the competitiveness and confidence in the Portuguese economy, while considering it means the government “recognises the contribution of the state’s suppliers for the sustainability of the SNS” and to provide care to the population.


Late payments from public hospitals to suppliers last year were below €500 million, after funding reinforcement, which was a 42 percent reduction compared to 2017, according to official government data.


Compared to 2017, the overdue payment to suppliers decreased 42.4 percent, according to the ministry of health, which recalled that the decrease in accumulated debts was made possible following the reinforcement of statutory capital by €1 billion, plus the funding reinforcement of €400 million to corporate public hospitals.