During an interaction with journalists at Largo da Severa in Lisbon, António Filipe expressed serious concerns over the current state of the National Health Service (SNS). His comments followed a query about a pregnant woman who gave birth on a street in Carregado, Alenquer.
The presidential candidate, supported by the PCP, remarked that there is an “excessive number of pregnant women giving birth in ambulances” and insisted the incident in Carregado warrants investigation.
“What we are witnessing is inappropriate. Such events must not occur in the 21st century, and I believe this issue calls for immediate attention,” he asserted, stressing that “all governing bodies must take responsibility.”
“There are direct responsibilities from the Government in this matter, and the President of the Republic must demand accountability,” Filipe stated.
However, António Filipe emphasized that the problem is not about individuals, implicitly referring to the Minister of Health, arguing that “the Government must take responsibility for what is happening within the SNS.”
When asked if Health Minister Ana Paula Martins should resign, Filipe responded: “Replacing this minister with another one following the same policies will not solve the problem.”
“What is needed are concrete measures from the Government to enhance the SNS, including hiring and retaining the necessary professionals to prevent such incidents. This must not continue at the frequency and severity it currently does,” he commented.
In response to questions regarding the Government’s management of forest fires, Filipe noted, “Those who are responsible must be held accountable.”
Referring to three inoperative ‘Canadair’ planes, he criticized the apparent lack of resources to fight forest fires, despite governmental assurances of having all necessary means.
“In reality, some resources are failing; planes are non-functional, and assistance from Morocco was required,” he remarked, noting “serious shortcomings in fighting forest fires.”
“There are missing resources, and this is a governmental responsibility,” he stated, advocating for “an investigation into responsibilities as soon as possible to prevent these recurrent issues.”
