“The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) will follow the recommendations of the General Inspectorate of Health Activities (IGAS). Given the indications, a disciplinary process will be opened to clarify the situation and take proportional measures,” the institute reported in response to Lusa.
IGAS disclosed today that the death of a 53-year-old man on November 4, 2024, could have been avoided if he had received timely and reasonable emergency assistance.
“It was concluded that the user’s death could have been avoided if timely and reasonable emergency assistance had been provided, enabling the evacuation of the victim via a Coronary Green Way to one of the nearest hospitals, where he could have undergone coronary angioplasty at one of the respective hemodynamic units,” the general inspection noted in a statement.
According to IGAS, the inquiry’s conclusions were sent to INEM to decide on initiating disciplinary proceedings against a pre-hospital emergency technician, due to indications of misconduct in providing assistance to the victim, and concerning the continuation of services by a doctor, given the “severity of the acts committed in providing assistance to the victim.”
This case dates back to November 4, 2024, when two strikes occurred simultaneously – one by the pre-hospital emergency technicians regarding overtime and another by the public administration.
The general inspection opened several inquiries to determine the potential relationship between 12 deaths and alleged delays in the Urgent Patients Guidance Center (CODU) of INEM during the strike.
The Ministry of Health clarified today that the delay in emergency assistance leading to a patient’s death in Pombal is related to the alleged negligence of two professionals involved in the process, not the INEM strike.
Lusa | 20:45 – 25/06/2025
In response, the Ministry of Health stated today that the delay in providing assistance that led to the man’s death in Pombal is related to the alleged negligence of two professionals involved in the process and not to the INEM strike.
In a note released after the report’s findings became known, Ana Paula Martins’ ministry emphasized that the inquiry dismisses any connection with the INEM strike.
According to the released version of the report – says the Ministry of Health – “the possible delay in INEM’s arrival is not attributed to the INEM strike, nor to a delay in call handling by the CODU [Urgent Patients Guidance Center]”.
The note, citing the IGAS report sent to the Ministry, states that “the causes of the delay are different” and relate to the alleged “lack of diligence, care, and attention” of two professionals involved in the assistance process.
On November 12, 2024, Health Minister Ana Paula Martins announced that INEM would come under her direct authority, arguing that the institute was of “enormous priority” due to the social alarm at the time and the need to restore public confidence in the pre-hospital emergency system.
At that time, Ana Paula Martins stated in Parliament that she would assume responsibility for the consequences of delays in INEM’s call responses, committing to take the necessary measures to reorganize the institute.
