Portugal’s Health Minister, Ana Paula Martins, has defended her record on increasing the number of family doctors following criticism over recent comments linking migration to pressures on the healthcare system. Martins faced backlash after stating at a PSD Congress event that immigration impacted the availability of family doctors. She has clarified that she did not blame immigrants for the challenges, but rather highlighted the increased demand on healthcare services. The Minister maintains that efforts are underway to address the shortage of family physicians nationwide. Opposition parties have called for greater transparency regarding the actual number of practicing family doctors and the impact of population growth. The debate underscores ongoing concerns about healthcare access in Portugal. Martins insists her intention was to illustrate the complexities facing the health service.