New president of São José is being investigated for favoritism in contracts

At issue is the recurrent use of direct adjustments for the award of public contracts worth more than 6 million euros when Miguel Paiva was manager of the Entre o Douro e Vouga Hospital Center.

The new president of São José Local Health Unitin Lisbon, is being investigated by the Public Ministry on suspicions related to award of public contracts during the period in which he led the Entre o Douro e Vouga Hospital Center (CHEDV). At issue are contracts worth around 6.1 million euros, involving the acquisition of goods, services and the carrying out of works.

Miguel Paivawho took over at ULS in São José in February this year, assured that he was collaborating with the authorities. “I have collaborated with justice” and “I never felt like I was suspected“, he stated. The person responsible was appointed through a resolution of the Council of Ministers signed by the prime minister, Luis Montenegro.

According to the Attorney General’s Officethe investigation is under investigation, without defendants constituted and under judicial secrecy. The process began around three years ago, following a complaint that raised suspicions about the recurring use of direct adjustments in the award of contracts.

Among the cases analyzed are contracts with the company Uniself and with the lawyer José Delfim Maiaas well as works awarded by public tender to the company J. da Silva Fariarelating to interventions in the hospitals of São Sebastião and São João da Madeira.

One of the main focuses of the investigation is to determine whether Miguel Paiva had any personal relationship with those responsible for the contracted entities, as well as the functioning of the CHEDV purchasing system. During his mandate, between 2015 and 2023, the manager had the direct responsibility for the acquisitions area.

In 2019, the then clinical director Elsa Soares resigned from the board of directors, pointing out “total inefficiency” in the purchasing service and claiming that the situation led to the need to frequently resort to direct adjustments. In the letter sent to the then Minister of Health, Marta Temidothe doctor also warned about irregularities related to works.

The investigation is being led by Judicial Policewhich has already heard several witnesses.