Portugal unveils bonus scheme to reward emergency locum doctors

Portugal’s government is set to introduce a new pay scheme for locum doctors working emergency shifts in the public health system. The plan includes bonuses for extra hours, with payments structured in 48-hour blocks and tied to a percentage of base salary.

The Cabinet will soon approve a decree outlining the rules, though the exact bonus rate remains under negotiation with medical unions.

The bonus system applies to shifts completed in 48-hour segments. Doctors earn the extra pay either by working the full block or by being on call but not needed due to low patient numbers or scheduling issues. The incentive does not form part of their standard salary and will not alter other supplementary payments.

Full-time physicians can claim up to 250 bonus hours per year, while part-time staff have a 150-hour cap. Before these blocks count, doctors must first use up any supplementary hours already allowed by law. Clinical directors and emergency department heads will monitor work beyond the usual annual limits to maintain safety for both staff and patients. An additional 20% boost to the bonus is available. To qualify, doctors must work at least 48 hours over weekends within an eight-week period and agree to take on an extra shift.

The decree aims to regulate emergency shift pay while ensuring patient and staff safety. Negotiations with unions will finalise the exact percentage before implementation. Once approved, the scheme will provide structured financial incentives for locum doctors in public hospitals.