The executive director of the SNS, Antonio Gandra d’Almeida
He served at the Gaia hospital, while directing INEM. There are already three names in line to succeed Gandra D’Almeida.
Army lieutenant colonel and former executive director of the National Health Service (SNS) António Gandra d’Almeida this Friday following allegations of undue accumulation of income while performing his duties.
The case raised questions about incompatibilities in compliance with the statute of Public Administration management personnel, which requires exclusivity in the performance of duties.
“Although I understand that I did not commit any illegality or irregularity, to defend the SUS and, with no less importance, to protect my family and the future that we want to be one of dignity, I asked, today, Your Excellency, the Minister of Health, to immediately release me from exercising my duties current functions”, said a note signed by the executive director.
Between 2021 and 2024, a period in which Gandra d’Almeida was regional director of the North of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) and, later, leader of the executive board of the SNS, accumulated income in different contexts.
Gandra D’Almeida worked as a doctor at Hospital de Gaia, performing surgeries on a regular basisaccording to , and performed similar functions in other hospitals, including Abrantes.
Although the latter was denied by himself, official documents confirm 200 hours of service at Abrantes Hospital in 2022, but the doctor claims that this occurred before taking up the position at INEM.
Furthermore, SIC revealed that Gandra d’Almeida had received more than 200 thousand euros for shifts carried out in hospitals in Portimão and Faro, under conditions that required authorization from INEM and no remuneration. These contracts were carried out through two companies, Raiz Binária and Trabalhas Métricas, whose shares were transferred to their children before taking up the role at the SNS.
Some contracts do not appear registered on the public procurement portal, which raises doubts regarding the transparency of the entire operation.
According to the management staff statute, any accumulation of paid functions or activities must be renounced. Gandra d’Almeida defended the compliance of his actions with the law, highlighting that the General Inspection of Health Activities (IGAS) will be responsible for determining legality.
However, many suggest that documents may have been falsified, given that the doctor signed declarations of no incompatibilities.
The dismissal sparked controversy in politics and the health sector.
PS denounces incompetence
Pedro Nuno Santos, secretary general of the PS, accused the Government of incompetenceof bewilderment and of failing in the Health sector, considering that the dismissal weakens Luís Montenegro’s executive.
Enough launches challenge
The president of Chega challenged the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health to say publicly that they were unaware of the accumulation of functions of the resigned executive director of the SNS and argued that justice must act in this case.
IL sees opportunity
The Liberal Initiative considered the dismissal an opportunity to initiate a “true reform” of the SNS, improving citizens’ access to healthcare.
Block and PCP with emergencies
The Left Bloc asked for an urgent parliamentary hearing, and the PCP reinforced the need for the appointment to the executive direction of the SNS to be made through a public competition.
“Disorientation”
Within the sector, Xavier Barreto, president of the Association of Hospital Administrators, highlighted the importance of appointing a replacement with experience in the SUS, while the National Federation of Doctors considered the situation, as did Pedro Nuno, as yet another reflection of “bewilderment” from the Ministry of Health.
Who will be Gandra’s successor?
However, three names are being evaluated to succeed Gandra d’Almeida.
According to the HealthNews website, the candidates include Carlos Martinsformer Secretary of State for Health; Miguel Guimarãesformer president of the Order of Doctors; and Álvaro Santos Almeidaformer president of the Health Regulatory Authority.
