Portuguese doctors slam new rule forcing generic diabetes sensor prescriptions

The Portuguese Medical Association (Ordem dos Médicos, OM) has strongly criticised a new rule requiring generic prescriptions for diabetes sensors. The decision, made by Infarmed, has drawn sharp opposition from doctors and diabetes specialists across the country. They warn that treating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems like generic drugs could put patients at risk. OM issued a formal statement expressing 'deep concern and strong disagreement' with the policy. The organisation’s president, Carlos Cortes, stressed that cost-cutting should not lead to reckless decisions. He argued that efficiency must never be confused with blind implementation of rules.

The Portuguese Diabetes Society also condemned Infarmed’s move. Its experts claimed that equating CGM technology with generic medicines reveals a basic misunderstanding of how these devices work. Unlike simple pills, CGM systems vary widely in accuracy, features, and compatibility with individual patients. Manuel Carlos Lemos, head of OM’s College of Endocrinology and Nutrition, reinforced these concerns. He warned that forcing generic prescriptions for such complex devices poses a direct threat to patient safety. Doctors insist that CGM systems are not interchangeable, as each model has unique functions tailored to different medical needs. While OM supports fair and sustainable access to health technologies, it rejects the idea that this goal justifies treating advanced medical tools as generic products. The association is now demanding an immediate reversal of the measure. It has also called for urgent talks with professional bodies and patient groups to find a safer solution.

The controversy highlights growing tensions between cost-saving measures and patient care standards. OM’s push for dialogue suggests the debate over diabetes technology regulation is far from over. For now, the medical community remains united in opposing the generic prescription rule.