Audit reports on the Dermatology Department at the Santa Maria Local Health Unit in Lisbon, following the controversy over additional surgeries, have confirmed irregularities.
The dermatologist, Miguel Alpalhão, who reportedly earned over 400,000 euros from additional surgical production on Saturdays, is set to face disciplinary proceedings and risks dismissal. Additionally, he may have to return half of the improperly billed money.
The audits indicate improper classification of clinical acts, notably small surgeries as outpatient surgeries.
The issue at hand is the Integrated Management System for Surgery Waiting Lists (SIGIC), which allows surgeries outside working hours to reduce long hospital waiting lists. This system will now be replaced by the National System for Access to Consultation and Surgery (SINACC), a new model with a comprehensive review of existing rules and prices.
The case of Miguel Alpalhão was the first to surface. The dermatologist allegedly earned 51,000 euros in just one day at Hospital de Santa Maria, prompting inquiries by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Health Activities Inspection Authority. Altogether, he earned over 400,000 euros on ten Saturdays last year.
In an interview, the dermatologist claimed to have operated on “those who needed it” and stated he had not committed any “illegal acts” or violated provided rules.
The Santa Maria dermatologist who earned about 400,000 euros in ten additional Saturdays last year (and 51,000 euros in one day) insists he did not engage in “illegal acts” or disregard the rules and that his superiors were aware of his operations on relatives.
Notícias ao Minuto | 11:53 – 20/06/2025
Following the audits’ revelations this week, the ULS de Santa Maria Board of Directors implemented several structural measures, including monthly monitoring of additional production or mandatory biometric registration for all additional production.
As a result of the audits, four independent investigations were opened—two were dismissed, one led to disciplinary action, and another found evidence of a crime, handed over to the Public Prosecutor.
Dermatologist earns for surgeries at Santa Maria… but was in Italy
Last June, a new controversy arose concerning the Dermatology Department at Santa Maria. It was reported that a dermatologist recorded several surgeries in her name, performed by resident doctors while she attended a conference in Italy.
The dermatologist had already earned nearly 113,000 euros in seven days of additional surgical production.
In May this year, on a Saturday, the dermatologist registered several surgeries but was in Italy for a conference. It is known that she has earned almost 113,000 euros in seven days of additional surgeries (Saturdays).
Notícias ao Minuto com Lusa | 23:24 – 21/06/2025
Case reaches Parliament
Last week, Parliament approved requests from the Liberal Initiative (IL) and Chega, calling for an urgent hearing with Health Minister Ana Paula Martins regarding additional surgeries in Santa Maria’s Dermatology Department. The requests were unanimously approved by the Health Commission.
The IL is calling for the urgent hearing of seven individuals, including the Health Minister, SNS executive director Álvaro Almeida, the president of the ULS Santa Maria Board, Carlos das Neves Martins, and former Dermatology Department director Paulo Filipe, who resigned on June 24. The party also wants to hear from Miguel Alpalhão.
The IL’s request highlights a May report that a Santa Maria dermatologist allegedly received “over 400,000 euros for performing surgeries in just ten days, including 51,000 euros in a single day” in 2024.
Chega’s request recalls the cases of Miguel Alpalhão and the dermatologist who recorded surgeries in her name while attending a conference in Italy.
“Recent reports have exposed concerning situations in Santa Maria’s Dermatology Department, raising serious questions about operational control mechanisms within the National Health Service that demand urgent clarification,” the party emphasized.
The first hearings in the Health Commission are scheduled for July 8.
The Health Minister will be heard on the excessive billing of additional work in the dermatology department at Santa Maria Hospital, and on INEM cases. The urgent hearing requests for Ana Paula Martins were made by PS, Chega, and IL.
Notícias ao Minuto com Lusa | 10:52 – 02/07/2025
