The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, stated she will not evade her “responsibilities” and, if necessary, will attend Parliament to answer questions from political parties regarding the death during the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) strike late last year, which was confirmed on Wednesday by the report from the Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (IGAS).
“The Ministry of Health, immediately upon learning of the report, asked INEM to follow the IGAS recommendations, which INEM was already set to implement. One thing is certain: I will never shirk my political responsibilities, but what is at stake here today, through the report, which is the appropriate space for such an evaluation, is that there was no connection between the unfortunate occurrence and the INEM strike,” Ana Paula Martins assured journalists on Thursday in Lisbon.
Despite the new controversy, the minister dismisses the possibility of resignation and emphasizes that she will continue to “work under the leadership” of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
“I will make no further comments on this subject because the report is very clear. I also urge journalists, as I did, to read the report in full. It is very important for the future of INEM and all of us. I am always available, as is my duty, to answer whatever Parliament wishes to inquire about, and I will continue to work under the leadership of my prime minister,” the Minister of Health stated.
The Socialist Party (PS) has already indicated it will urgently request the Health Minister’s hearing in Parliament regarding the IGAS report concerning INEM, asserting that it is time for Ana Paula Martins to “take responsibility.”
The PS announced it would call for an urgent hearing of the Health Minister in Parliament regarding the IGAS report about INEM, considering it is time for Ana Paula Martins to “assume her responsibilities.” “Following the news known yesterday [Wednesday] on the report that IGAS has been developing in light of the tragic events following a strike by INEM that the Government failed to manage, PS will urgently summon the Health Minister to Parliament,” PS deputy Mariana Vieira da Silva told reporters.
In the opinion of the socialist, it is time for Ana Paula Martins to “take responsibility” and not “hide.”
This case dates back to November 4, 2024, the day when two strikes occurred simultaneously – one by pre-hospital emergency technicians on overtime hours and another by the public administration.
“Portugal will not be without INEM helicopters”
Regarding the issue of INEM helicopters, Ana Paula Martins explained that the country will not be without this aerial assistance until the issue concerning the contract is resolved, which allows the helicopters to resume operations, due to the lack of approval from the Court of Auditors.
“Portugal will not be without INEM helicopters. The solution will involve cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defense, with the Armed Forces, particularly the Air Force,” she added.
