“After a year and a half, diagnostics and soulful states are no longer enough. Solutions are needed,” stated Luís Marques Mendes, pointing out that “even in the absence of a health system agreement, results are necessary.”
Luís Marques Mendes addressed journalists in Lisbon upon arriving at a luncheon celebrating the 40th anniversary of Aníbal Cavaco Silva’s initial tenure as Prime Minister in one of his three governments.
He refrained from commenting on whether Minister Ana Paula Martins should remain in office or on the case of a pregnant woman who died overnight at the Amadora-Sintra Local Health Unit.
“I will not speak on dismissals, it is not my role, nor on specific cases. What I assert is this: until there is an agreement on the Social and Health Service, which should exist in the future, solutions are needed in the meantime,” he emphasized.
The Presidential candidate for the election on January 18 focused on addressing “the people’s issues.”
“What matters to ordinary Portuguese citizens? Having solutions, functioning emergency services, and improving health,” he highlighted.
“People specifically want their problems solved. Whether it is through the minister, the secretary of state, or the prime minister, solutions should be found because it is time. A year and a half is enough time to have solutions; I cannot be clearer,” he stressed.
Regarding the political agreement proposed by the President of the Republic about the role of the NHS, the social sector, and the private health sector for a medium-term framework, Marques Mendes noted that he was “perhaps among the first politicians in Portugal to advocate for a health system agreement many months ago.”
“Since March, I have supported an agreement to change the organization and management model of the National Health Service. When I reach the presidency, I will commit myself to this,” he declared.
“I have always emphasized that, for me, the most important thing is for a president to have mediating power, an arbitrating power, to build bridges and unite parties. I have already identified the sectors where this dialogue capability should occur, with health as a priority,” he asserted.
During the event, Luís Marques Mendes was also questioned about the Intercampus poll for Correio da Manhã, which places him at the forefront of the race for the presidency in terms of voting intentions.
The candidate expressed being “satisfied,” while ensuring that it does not “inflate his power or importance.”
“It is a sign of confidence and hope for the future,” the former PSD leader remarked, adding that he will not “become dazzled” and will “continue working in the same manner, close to people, with modernity and a sense of responsibility.”
