“Governments always provide a virtuous justification when closing services. Whenever there’s an intention to close a service, it’s never stated openly, but rather as a reorganization. We’ve seen this before, including in healthcare, often resulting in a loss of capabilities,” remarked the candidate.
The PCP-backed presidential candidate spoke to journalists following a meeting with the Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses (SEP) in Lisbon, regarding the Government’s plan to merge the neonatology services of Hospital Dona Estefânia and Maternidade Alfredo da Costa.
After reports suggested the Government’s intent to close the neonatology service at Hospital Dona Estefânia and transfer health professionals to Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, Health Minister Ana Paula Martins clarified that no closure is planned, but a reorganization project for the response of both services is being developed.
António Filipe expressed concern over the project, arguing that it represents a concentration of services impacting the responsiveness of the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and insisted it needs to change.
The former communist deputy criticized the Government’s “audacity” in claiming that users benefit from such measures, emphasizing that the observed reality is different; with service closures come reduced problem-solving capacities for the populace.
“These reorganizations result in children being born in ambulances and on roadsides. Instead of complicating lives through such supposed reorganizations affecting workers and users, investment is necessary,” he asserted.
António Filipe believes the Government’s investment and proposals for the SNS, alongside labor legislation, are subjects on which other presidential candidates should express their views, as they are vital to the lives of the Portuguese people and should be central in presidential debates.
Addressing the arrest of two Family Health Unit employees for allegedly fraudulently enrolling immigrants in the SNS, António Filipe commended the authorities for addressing these matters and called for accountability for those involved.
“We are aware of complicity with the illegality of immigration, which is why the PJ exists, having been reinforced by former SESP personnel. Effective action is necessary to investigate wrongdoing, whether in public or private organizations,” he stated.
When queried about the Government’s retreats in labor negotiations, António Filipe remarked that while he monitors developments, it is up to the workers to express opinions on the executive’s stance.
