The Fernando da Fonseca Hospital, commonly known as Amadora-Sintra, offered condolences on Tuesday to the family of a pregnant woman and her baby who died at the facility over the weekend.
The announcement, first reported by RTP and confirmed by the hospital, stated, “Today was an institutional phone call of heartfelt condolences.” However, the hospital emphasized that “the condolences were given at the time of death by the doctor who received” the woman at the hospital.
Condolences were extended to the family of Umo Cani and her newborn four days after their deaths at the hospital—a case that sparked controversy in Portuguese society and drew criticism of the government’s handling of healthcare.
The hospital reportedly assured the family of its willingness “to provide all necessary psychological support.”
The woman, 36, died last Friday, October 31, after arriving at Amadora-Sintra in cardiac arrest. The day before, she had visited the same hospital, being sent home despite a diagnosis of hypertension.
“The pregnant woman was referred to our consultation [on Wednesday], having recently arrived in Portugal. The pregnancy follow-up was not ideal,” explained Diogo Bruno, Director of the Gynecology and Obstetric Service at Amadora-Sintra.
The baby was born via emergency cesarean section but remained in critical condition, ultimately dying a day after the mother, on Saturday, November 1.
The hospital announced an internal investigation to understand the situation, accompanied by inquiries from the Inspectorate General of Health Activities (IGAS) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP).
The incident has gained political dimensions, with several party leaders harshly criticizing the government. Some even initially demanded the resignation of Health Minister Ana Paula Martins, a call she quickly dismissed.
A pregnant woman’s death a day after visiting the Hospital Amadora-Sintra with hypertension symptoms has shocked the country. The baby also could not survive. The family now refutes statements from the health minister and the hospital. The woman had ongoing monitoring in Portugal, evidenced by records.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 10:00 – 03/11/2025
