Lisbon, Portugal (CU)_ Health Minister Marta Temido of Portugal resigned from office following significant condemnation of her decision to temporarily suspend emergency obstetric services, which eventually resulted in the death of an Indian pregnant lady during hospital transfer. According to Portuguese media, the prime minister acknowledged Ms. Temido’s statement that she no longer had the prerequisites to hold the office. She resigned her post five hours after the news of the death of a pregnant lady in Lisbon.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa indicated in a message posted on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic that he was expecting the resignation request from the Minister of Health Marta Temido and the proposal to choose her replacement. A message posted on the Presidency’s website with the headline, “Note on the Minister of Health’s intention to cease her duties” read as follows: “The President of the Republic was informed by the Prime Minister, (…) of the intention of the Minister of Health, Marta Temido, to cease her duties, a position she accepted”.
The pregnant Indian lady lost her life after being shifted to Hospital Sao Francisco Xavier from Hospital de Santa Maria owing to a lack of openings in the neonatology division. According to reports, a cardiorespiratory arrest occurred during the journey, and resuscitation efforts were performed throughout the transport. According to Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte (CHULN), at the Sao Francisco Xavier Hospital, “The pregnant woman was admitted for an urgent cesarean section, with the newborn, weighing 722 grams, going to the neonatal intensive care unit for prematurity”. It added, “The mother was hospitalized in intensive care and died. The deepest condolences to the family”.
Marta Temido will continue to serve in her position until a replacement is found. The Council of Ministers meeting on September 15 will approve the replacement. However, the presentation can be expected. Antonio Lacerda Sales and Maria de Fatima Fonseca, Secretaries of State, also left the Health Ministry.
