The Health Minister said this Monday that she understood the retreat of Vitor Almeida, who had agreed to lead INEM, and acknowledged that the demands made were “reasonable” but that the government could not guarantee “day to day”.
“We understand that the situation INEM is in may lead to some of the demands made by Dr. Vitor Almeida, which are quite reasonable, but, in truth, we cannot guarantee day by day that INEM in two or three months will be able to restructure itself to respond” to what the person in charge has in mind, said Ana Paula Martins.
Dr. Vitor Almeida was invited to become president of the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM) – following the resignation of Luis Meira, following a disagreement over a contract for an emergency medical helicopter – and initially accepted the offer. He then eventually backed down, claiming that the government had not responded positively to his demands.
Speaking to reporters today after visiting the Inovar Family Health Unit in Corroios (Seixal), Ana Paula Martins said she found INEM in a “very difficult” situation, admitting: “It is really difficult to enter an institution that over the years (…) has added difficulties and problems, despite the fact that it has some truly extraordinary professionals.”
“We fully understand this decision,” the minister said, adding: “We will continue our work. INEM is very important for the country, we have all the experts and people who have known INEM for many years, who have already been part of INEM. They will certainly help to restore it.”
Regarding the PCP’s statement that she would urgently summon the minister to parliament within the framework of a parliamentary committee to provide clarifications regarding INEM’s real capabilities to provide assistance to the population, the minister stated that she was ready to provide all clarifications to the MPs.
“I am fully available and on the appointed day I will be there to answer all your questions about INEM and, naturally, all information will be passed on to the deputies,” said Ana Paula Martins.
Last week, at a hearing of the parliamentary health committee, the minister said the government had asked the General Inspectorate for Health Activities (IGAS) to carry out a technical review of the INEM response performance indicators.
Ana Paula Martins also announced the creation of a commission of independent experts with experience in emergency and acute care to analyse how INEM can be re-established.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health announced an administrative and financial audit of INEM, with the minister later explaining that she intended to “understand precisely” several processes, namely the hiring of helicopters and ambulances and the direct adjustments at the institute.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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