The General Inspectorate of Health Activities (IGAS) has initiated an inspection process at the Ceraque clinic in Pinhal Novo, which allegedly failed to detect a severe malformation in a fetus during a morphological ultrasound, a procedure intended to assess the anatomy of the baby.
“The Inspection Process, launched by order of the Inspector-General of the General Inspectorate of Health Activities on October 9, 2025, aims to verify compliance with regulations by the private health unit called Ceraque – Diagnostic Imaging Center, located in Pinhal Novo,” according to a press release dated Tuesday, sent to Notícias ao Minuto and reported by Público.
The same statement indicates that the inspection will focus on “the quality of services provided,” particularly the “interpretation of imaging exams.”
Baby was born with an incomplete leg and only two toes on one foot
The case that triggered IGAS’s action dates back to 2023.
Throughout the pregnancy, including the morphological ultrasound conducted at this clinic, the parents were told that there were no issues with their child. It was only at the birth of the child that the parents discovered the baby had an incomplete right leg and only two toes on one foot.
The situation reportedly endangered not only the newborn’s life but also the mother’s during delivery, compelling the family to seek private healthcare to ensure the health and well-being of both.
The Medical Association (OM) also requested contact with the clinic to understand the circumstances.
“The Medical Association requested clarifications from the clinic. The clinic responded, and the document is being evaluated,” a source from the OM confirmed to Notícias ao Minuto.
At the time, the clinic stated that “all ultrasounds are performed by specialist doctors,” adding that the clinical report “did not identify any visible anomaly.”
Regarding the issue, the clinic claims it only became aware through the media, adding that neither the parents nor any family member contacted the health unit “formally or informally.”
In addition to IGAS and the OM, the Attorney General’s Office is also examining the case and has already launched an inquiry.
A clinic in Setúbal is accused of failing to detect severe malformations in a fetus. The baby was born without part of the right leg and with only two toes on one foot.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 14:31 – 06/10/2025
Eight complaints lodged against the clinic since 2023
In the past two years, there have been eight complaints against the clinic in question to the Health Regulatory Authority: four in 2023, two in 2024, and another two this year.
In response to Lusa, the ERS warns that the complaints received may or may not involve cases describable as “medical negligence,” noting that it is “a very broad topic” that encompasses various situations, making “its stratification complex.”
The ERS also informed that Ceraque has been registered since 2006, currently operating the Pinhal Novo establishment with imaging services, medical specialties, nursing, and clinical psychology.
“A license was issued to the establishment (…) for categories including radiology units, medical clinics or offices, and nursing centers,” the ERS adds.
The ERS emphasized that health professionals are not subject to regulation by the Health Regulatory Authority regarding their activities, which fall under the regulation and discipline of their respective public professional associations.
The Health Regulatory Authority has received eight complaints since 2023 related to the owner of the Ceraque Clinic, which operates a unit in Queluz and another in Pinhal Novo, where a severe malformation allegedly went undetected in a morphological ultrasound.
Lusa | 13:07 – 07/10/2025
