Health Minister Calls for Investigation into Alleged Emergency Aid Refusal in Évora

Minister's Request for Investigation

The Health Minister, Ana Paula Martins, has requested the General Inspection of Health Activities (IGAS) to investigate the alleged refusal of emergency assistance by the Hospital do Espírito Santo in Évora. This incident involved a man who fell ill just a few meters from the emergency department on Tuesday morning.

Allegations of Refusal

According to reports from Notícias ao Minuto and confirmed by PÚBLICO, the hospital allegedly instructed passersby to call the emergency number 112 instead of providing immediate assistance. Witnesses claimed that the hospital was only about 20 meters away when they sought help.

Local Authorities Respond

Carlos Pinto de Sá, the Mayor of Évora, has indicated plans to seek clarifications from the hospital regarding the incident, which is part of the Alentejo Central Local Health Unit. Meanwhile, the health unit has refrained from commenting on the matter.

Protocols Under Scrutiny

Rogério Santos, the commander of the Évora Fire Brigade, noted that the emergency protocol appears to have been followed since the individual was outside the hospital's perimeter. However, António Nunes, President of the Portuguese Firefighters League, argued that the hospital should have dispatched someone to assist, emphasizing the general principle of assistance that should be upheld regardless of protocol.

Nunes stated, “While the protocol may be theoretically correct, it must also consider the reality of situations, especially when someone reports an individual lying on the ground outside the hospital.”