Austeridade em Portugal: medidas implementadas e seu impacto no acesso, eficiência e qualidade do serviço nacional de saúde

In April 2011, a serious economic and social crisis erupted in Portugal, prompting the country to seek financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and the European Central Bank, which in turn required compliance with a number of constant austerity of a memorandum. Part of these measures focused on the National Health Service, which required a cut in spending and a set of efficiency-enhancing reforms that generated savings through better resource reallocation and reduced investment. This article aims to show the results / effects of austerity and the steps already taken in the post-crisis period, through the analysis of the literature and health policies implemented. As a result there were some improvements in efficiency but serious problems in access to health services. In conclusion it can be affirmed that austerity was necessary but it was thought only for that moment and not in a perspective of construction of health policy for the future.