Dismissal of SNS executive director was “inevitable”, says FNAM

The dismissal of the executive director of the National Health Service (SNS), António Gandra D’Almeida, was “inevitable”, says the president of the National Federation of Doctors (FNAM), Joana Bordalo e Sá.

In statements to RenaissanceJoana Bordalo e Sá states that Gandra d’Almeida’s dismissal “really had to happen, taking into account what is at stake and the investigation that was carried out being true”.

“For the National Federation of Doctors, what we understand is that these positions require highly competent professionals and this Ministry of Health, led by Ana Paula Martins, has not been at all happy in this regard. In fact, there is a whole team that is also unable to solve the problems of the SUS”, he emphasizes.

Joana Bordalo e Sá also understands that the news weakens the positions of António Gandra d’Almeida and the Government.

“The news weakens not only the Executive Board of the National Health Service, but it weakens the Ministry of Health of Ana Paula Martins itself, because this was a direct appointment of that ministry of Ana Paula Martins. We call into question, once again, the competence of this entire ministry and those who lead it”, argues the president of FNAM.

The executive director of the National Health Service (SNS) asked this Friday to resign from his position, which has already been accepted by the Ministry of Health.

António Gandra D’Almeida leaves his position after SIC reported an alleged incompatibility, but the person responsible rejects having committed any “illegality”.

“Although I understand that I did not commit any illegality or irregularity, for the defense of the SUS and, with no less importance, for the protection of my Family and the future that we want to be one of dignity, I asked, today, Her Excellency the Minister of Health, to immediately release me from my current duties”, announced Gandra D’Almeida.

SIC said this Friday that the executive director of the SNS will have accumulated functions as director of INEM do Norte, based in Porto, and as a working doctor in the Emergency Rooms of Faro and Portimão, receiving more than 200 thousand euros over two years.

According to one SIC investigationthe SUS CEO would have authorization from INEM to accumulate functions, with the guarantee that he would not receive a salary, but the law says that is incompatible.

For the shifts carried out, he would have received more than R$200,000, through a company he created with his wife and of which he was manager.

Medical service contracts would be provided by the general surgeon in hospital units, with the work worth R$50 per hour.

António Gandra D’Almeida was chosen by the Government to lead the Executive Directorate of the National Health Service in mid-May last year.