“In this particular case, a disciplinary process was opened, which was proposed by IGAS [Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde], but it’s also very important to remember – as I have stated in the past – that the initiation of these procedures is by no means a presumption of guilt,” said Sérgio Janeiro to journalists.
The Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde (IGAS) announced on Thursday the conclusion of the inquiry into the death of the elderly man, finding “disciplinary indication in the conduct of a regulatory physician at the Porto Urgent Patients Guidance Center (CODU).”
According to IGAS, this individual did not act “diligently and carefully when deploying the differentiated emergency medical means, specifically the Emergency and Resuscitation Medical Vehicle” for transport between the Mogadouro emergency services and the Hospital of Bragança.
“The delay in telephone assistance by CODU may have significantly influenced the final outcome of the victim, following a choking incident,” IGAS noted in a statement concerning the conclusions of the inquiry into the death of the 84-year-old man on November 2, 2024, during an INEM strike.
Today, the president of INEM spoke during a Reflection Workshop on Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services by the Independent Technical Commission (CTI) of INEM, held at the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Lisbon (ISCSP-UL).
“We must consider that it was an exceptionally atypical day and give due credit to those who worked under such challenging circumstances. Naturally, the results of this disciplinary process, conducted with rigor and impartiality, will determine if there are personal responsibilities to be addressed,” he emphasized.
IGAS has concluded 12 inquiries related to deaths recorded during the INEM technicians’ overtime strike, which began on October 30 and was suspended on November 7.
From these 12 investigations, IGAS found that three deaths during the strike were linked to delayed assistance.
