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 mandate, issued by Infarmed, treats continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems as interchangeable—something doctors argue is unsafe and misleading. OM expressed 'deep concern and strong disagreement' with the decision. The society warned that CGM sensors are not like generic medications, as each device has unique features that affect treatment safety and effectiveness. Manuel Carlos Lemos, president of OM’s College of Endocrinology and Nutrition, stated that the move could put patients at risk.

The Portuguese Diabetes Society also condemned Infarmed’s policy. They argued that equating CGM technology with generic drugs shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how these systems work. Physicians stressed that sensors vary in accuracy, reliability, and compatibility with insulin pumps, meaning they cannot be swapped without consequences. Carlos Cortes, OM’s president, clarified that efficiency in healthcare should not mean making decisions without proper evaluation. While OM supports fair and sustainable access to health technologies, it insists that treating CGM sensors as generic alternatives is not the right approach. The association is now demanding an immediate reversal of the measure and calling for talks with medical professionals and patient groups.

The controversy highlights concerns over patient safety and the technical differences between CGM systems. OM and diabetes specialists are pushing for the rule to be withdrawn. They want a collaborative review before any further changes are made.