A letter addressed to the Prime Minister saw STEPH urging Luís Montenegro to “reevaluate this potential appointment,” emphasizing that the choice for the presidency of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) should be “guided by the principles of competence, continuity, and public interest.”
In communications with Lusa, Luís Cabral, a medical specialist in urgent and emergency medicine, stated that he “awaits patiently” the development of the nomination process and did not wish to comment further at this stage.
The union voiced concerns that naming Luís Cabral as president of the institute, not yet confirmed by the government, could “hinder the pathway of cooperation and modernization” that has been under progress, risking the “carefully built trust and stability.”
“While awaiting the independent technical commission’s report for the INEM’s refoundation and the new organic law, INEM’s leadership must ensure stability, cooperation, and the continuation of the recent path developed with the Government,” the STEPH letter highlighted.
The union further criticized Cabral’s public positions and work conducted in the Azores, arguing that they “contradict the best scientific evidence” and are based “on a system six times more expensive than that used on the mainland.”
STEPH referenced conclusions from a 2024 audit by the Court of Auditors on the Azorean medical emergency system, which it describes as a “fragile, delayed, and inefficient system.”
Released in December 2024, the Court’s report noted that Azorean Civil Protection spent 5.8 million euros on medical emergencies in 2022, yet failed to meet international standards in responding to the most critical situations, suffering from human resource shortages in the Immediate Life Support Service.
The process to appoint a new president of INEM, which began in January, was suspended due to the scheduling of May’s snap elections, with Sérgio Janeiro remaining in office following a 60-day appointment.
Minister Ana Paula Martins had already received proposals from the Public Administration Recruitment and Selection Commission (CReSAP) regarding the candidates for the position.
This contest opened on January 6 and concluded on the 19th, subsequent to an initial round that attracted insufficient applicants.
Luís Mendes Cabral, specialized in emergency and urgent medicine as well as anesthesiology, currently serves as clinical director of the Azorean Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, also operating as a regulatory physician and instructor.
Cabral participates in air evacuation operations at the Hospital of the Holy Spirit on Terceira Island and held the position of Azorean Regional Health Secretary from 2012 to 2016.
