Article 64 of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic: health

Authors

  • Sofia Crisóstomo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7458/SPP2016NE10349

Abstract

Article 64 of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, on Health, has been the object of several amendments over the last 30 years. The timing, sequence and content of these changes are described and analysed in relation to key public health policy measures, taking into account their legal and constitutional implications, the historical-institutional context and its relationship with external factors. The changes proposed during the most recent constitutional review process, in 2010, which was not concluded or implemented, are also described and examined. Finally, the paper discusses the implementation of the three main principles governing the National Health Service: universality, generality, and the tendency towards free healthcare.

Published

2016-12-02

Issue

Section

Artigos