Rise in infant mortality sparks debate ahead of elections
As the political debate escalates, both sides are seeking to frame the issue in their favor ahead of the elections, but public attention is increasingly focused on the future of the SNS.
Portugal has recorded a concerning rise in infant mortality, with 252 babies under the age of one dying in 2024 — a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
The data, released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and reported by Correio da Manhã, marks the highest number of infant deaths since 2019 and has rapidly become a central topic in the current legislative campaign.
The latest figures show a jump from 210 infant deaths in 2023 to 252 in 2024.
This corresponds to a rate of 3 deaths per 1,000 live births — a significant spike, considering Portugal had maintained rates below this level for several years.
The last time a higher figure was recorded was in 2018, when 287 babies died before reaching their first birthday.
Particularly troubling is the situation in the district of Setúbal, where the mortality rate reached 3.7 deaths per 1,000 births — higher than the European average.
The spike comes at a time of strain on Portugal’s healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child services.
2024 has seen numerous emergency rooms for gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics either closed or operating at reduced capacity due to staff shortages and budgetary constraints.
Experts have cautioned against drawing immediate causal links, but the timing has prompted public concern and political fallout.
The Ministry of Health responded by acknowledging the rise in mortality and announced that a special commission created by the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) in January is currently analyzing regional, socioeconomic, and healthcare access factors that may be influencing the trend.
The commission's work is expected to span three years and aims to provide evidence-based guidance on maternal and child health policy.
Health Minister Ana Paula Martins, speaking at an event in Vila Real to mark International Nurses Day, emphasized that the increase in mortality “is not a good sign,” but pointed to a broader, long-term decline in investment in maternal-infant care as a likely contributor — a trend, she noted, that began under previous governments.
“No one can say that this is unrelated to the underfunding of the maternal-infant sector in recent years,” she stated.
Her comments drew sharp criticism from Pedro Nuno Santos, secretary-general of the opposition Socialist Party (PS).
During a campaign stop in Coimbra, Santos expressed deep concern over the data and accused the minister of shirking responsibility.
“What is working is theirs, and what isn’t, they blame on the previous government,” he said. “This government has no solutions and not even the honesty to accept its failures. It has given up on saving the National Health Service and is funneling resources into the private sector.”
Santos also took aim at the government’s broader economic management, citing a 0.5% contraction in GDP and a surge in collective layoffs in early 2024 as signs of policy failure.
He argued that the ruling Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, lacks a credible economic program and is risking further erosion of public services.
PM’s defense
In defense of his health minister, Prime Minister Montenegro praised Ana Paula Martins as a “highly qualified” leader and affirmed her position at the top of the AD list for Vila Real in the upcoming elections.
Speaking during a brief campaign visit to Chaves, he highlighted her expertise and commitment, dismissing the opposition’s criticisms as politicized attacks.
Meanwhile, health professionals and associations have called for urgent action.
The Portuguese Pediatric Society and health unions are urging the government to strengthen investment in neonatal and maternal health services, expand staffing, and ensure continuity of care in all regions.
Many argue that while socioeconomic factors play a role, immediate interventions in the health system are needed to prevent further increases in infant mortality.