Portugal to reward emergency locum doctors with new bonus pay structure

Portugal’s government is preparing to introduce new pay rules for locum doctors working emergency shifts in public hospitals. The planned decree will offer financial bonuses for extra hours, with payments structured in 48-hour blocks. Negotiations with medical unions over the exact figures are still ongoing.

The bonus system will apply once doctors have used up their standard supplementary work hours under current law. Payments are then calculated as a percentage of base salary for each 48-hour block completed. If a doctor works at least 48 hours over a weekend and takes on an extra shift, the bonus rate rises by 20%.

The bonus is paid even if the full 48-hour block is not worked due to service needs, as long as the doctor was available. However, the extra earnings will not count toward base pay or affect other supplementary payments. Oversight of these extended hours will be handled by clinical directors and emergency department heads to ensure staff and patient safety. The Cabinet is expected to approve the decree shortly, formalising the new pay structure for emergency locum work.

The proposed system aims to incentivise additional shifts while maintaining safety standards. Doctors will receive higher percentages for weekend work and extra commitments. Final details, including exact bonus rates, will be confirmed after further discussions with unions.