@martindonadieu The thing is that - at least here in Portugal - if you schedule an appointment or get checked in the public service, the waiting time is usually short. Like, under half an hour at most. Private service is never free for anyone and they still treat you worse sometimes.
@martindonadieu You are absolutely entitled to pay cash and use private services, it's just that sometimes there's no real advantage. Sometimes even it's worse. But yeah I agree that waiting 3 hours for a scheduled appointment is neither normal nor acceptable.
@martindonadieu Not my experience at all, the public health service works flawlessly if you go through the right channels and sometimes faster than private service. Did you consult with your family doctor? How long do you consider too long? Did you go to urgencies or did you have as appointment?