Manuel de Almeida / LUSA
The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins
Ana Paula Martins defends her work and states that the Government is being blamed for structural problems that take time to resolve. The minister also speaks of “powerful interests” that seek to condition the Health sector in Portugal.
The Minister of Health defended the Government’s performance in the management of the National Health Service (SNS), arguing that the ongoing reforms are producing results despite the difficulties inherited.
In an opinion article published in , Ana Paula Martins argued that the Government found a system marked by structural problems accumulated over several years and rejected the criticism directed at his management.
“I remember that attacks were made on this ministry because INEM did not have enough personnel, because there were no helicopters to operate where and when it was needed, because the SNS24 Line did not work, because babies were born in ambulances like never before, because there were no family doctors. It was the fault of a Government three months old“, writes the minister.
Recognizing that the changes are advancing more slowly than he would like, he guarantees that the path outlined will allow the construction of “an NHS that is effective in the service it provides, serious in its management and attractive in retaining quality professionals”. “The solutions to ills of many years cannot be found at the snap of a finger”, he emphasizes.
The government official criticized former political leaders and sectors that, in her opinion, intend to maintain previous management models. Without directly identifying the recipients of the criticism, Ana Paula Martins speaks of “powerful interests which, in time, the Portuguese will know” that try to condition government action and promote a negative narrative about the state of public health.
“We are not here to execute the transition folder, nor to meet a multiplicity of interests and perks. I could list here a series of accusations made by different protagonists and which, although meaningless, are a mere attempt to gain polls, likes on social media, votes in elections or applause in Parliament. I know well that, in the times we live in, immediacy attracts people of all kinds”, he reports.
Regarding the functioning of hospital emergencies, he assured that the situation has improved significantly. “There are no longer seven, eight or even 12 emergency rooms closed,” he said, although he admits that there are difficulties that persist. He also defended the renewal of the administrations of local health units, arguing that managers must be aligned with the policy defined by the Government.
Regarding INEM, the minister highlighted that the organization lost 35% of its staff in the eight years before 2024 and highlighted the opening of new recruitment competitions. There are delays in the acquisition of medical emergency helicopters, but the problem has been resolved and “INEM works”.
The minister also defended the strengthening of collaboration with the private and social sectors to reduce waiting lists and reiterated her support for the return of public-private partnerships in health, classifying them as “fundamental and urgent”.
In conclusion, he guaranteed that the Executive will continue to make difficult decisions and implement structural reforms, stating that “not deciding is not an option” and that the SNS “does not give in to crystallized interests or any corporation”.
