DILI, 15 April 2026 (TATOLI) — The Council of Ministers has approved a draft decree-law establishing updated fees for laboratory tests conducted in National Health Service facilities, the government said.
The proposal was presented by Health Minister Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral and sets a revised fee structure for laboratory services that had not been updated for more than 15 years.
According to the government, the revision is intended to provide a clear legal framework for fee collection and reflect the expansion of laboratory services, which have grown from about 38 test types to more than 150.
“Among the main measures approved, it is stipulated that fees apply only to patients who are not covered by the National Health Service or who are referred by private facilities,” said in a statement.
The law also stipulates that the fees charged must reflect the actual direct and indirect costs of the services provided, and sets out billing rules, including full payment before the performance of tests and the release of results upon proof of payment.
TATOLI
