On the 9th of July, in response to a public consultation process, the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) made its contributions to the National Mental Health Programme, the National Programme for Oncological Illnesses, the National Programme for Diabetes, the National Programme for Cerebral-Cardiovascular Diseases, the National Programme for HIV/AIDS infection, the National Programme for Healthy Food and the National Programme for the Prevention and Control of Smoking.

Based on indications from international research, the importance of a direct intervention by psychologists in the various areas of health was explained, improving the practices in each context. The participation of psychologists in the health area in general, not only in mental health, was also stated.

This process must be accompanied by efforts to place psychologists in the development of Programmes, allowing for a considerable improvement in the well-being of citizens. The intervention of psychologists is doubly essential as it promotes a better quality of life for people and also significantly reduced health costs to the State.

The Order will continue to accompany the various Programmes being discussed and to give its contribution whenever it feels that there is a need for psychological intervention.