The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities has initiated an investigation on July 18, with plans to compile a report by the end of January 2026.
The investigation aims to address potential conflicts of interest concerning the contracting of ophthalmology services with a private entity allegedly linked to the director of Ophthalmology at the Braga Local Health Unit (ULS).
Contracts totaling 27 million euros, established over 15 years between Braga ULS and a company owned by the then-head of Ophthalmology, Fernando Vaz, are under scrutiny.
Fernando Vaz resigned in July, just two days before CNN disclosed these contracts.
Braga ULS initially communicated that the potential conflict was undergoing internal analysis.
As of today, this analysis remains ongoing.
The contractual relationship with Fernando Vaz’s company, Iberoftal, began during a public-private partnership period, transitioning to a Public Business Entity model on September 1, 2019.
This relationship continued until the end of 2023 when the new local health unit management model commenced.
Between 2019 and 2023, service provision costs exceeded 18.1 million euros.
In early 2024, an international public tender was launched for ophthalmology services to continue throughout the year.
This tender was internationally published and fully open to competition, receiving prior approval from the Court of Auditors.
During the tender period, Braga ULS extended Ibertofal’s services through a direct adjustment valued at 743,000 euros to ensure continuous ophthalmology care due to high demand.
Following the 2024 contract’s conclusion, another international public tender was announced to ensure regular health service provision from 2025 to 2027.
Due to the need for multiannual expenditure authorization, the administration resorted to two direct adjustments totaling 5.1 million euros for continuous ophthalmology services at Braga Hospital.
The contract was finalized with the sole entity that submitted an offer in the international tender, receiving prior approval from the Court of Auditors.
A new head of Ophthalmology for Braga ULS is expected to be appointed by the year’s end.
