The news in Portuguese
O ministro da Saúde de Portugal enfrenta críticas pela gestão da greve do INEM. Luís Marques Mendes destacou problemas de "amadorismo" e sugeriu possíveis consequências políticas. Investigações podem ligar a greve a mortes, o que poderia levar à demissão da ministra Ana Paula Martins. Reformas são sugeridas para melhorar o setor da saúde.
Translation
The Portuguese Health Minister is facing criticism over the handling of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) strike. Luís Marques Mendes pointed out issues of "amateurism" and suggested there could be political repercussions. Investigations might connect the strike to deaths, which could result in the resignation of Minister Ana Paula Martins. Reforms are suggested to improve the health sector.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: Who is facing criticism for managing the INEM strike in Portugal?
The Minister of Health of Portugal is facing criticism.
Question 2: What might be the consequence if investigations link the strike to deaths?
The consequence might be the resignation of Minister Ana Paula Martins.
Exercise: Vocabulary
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▌18/11/2024
The recent handling of the INEM strike has put Portugal's Ministry of Health in a precarious position, leading to renewed debates about the effectiveness and professionalism within the health sector. Prominent social-democrat Luís Marques Mendes has voiced concerns about what he describes as "amateurism" in managing the crisis, indicating that this could result in severe political implications for Health Minister Ana Paula Martins.
According to reports, the Portuguese public prosecutor's ongoing investigations aim to determine if any legal infractions occurred, particularly concerning alleged connections between the strike and reported fatalities. Marques Mendes suggests that if such links are established, Minister Martins may be compelled to resign, having herself accepted accountability for the situation.
INEM Crisis Management Criticised in Portugal (Illustration)
The strike has highlighted significant administrative challenges within the INEM, with criticisms directed at its president, Sérgio Dias Janeiro, who, despite only having been in his role for four months and initially serving on an interim basis, has been unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding failures in minimum service provision during the industrial action. This has led to speculation about his potential departure from the position.
Compounding these issues, Marques Mendes pointed out that Health Minister Martins had undermined the Secretary of State for Health by taking direct control over the INEM, further indicating weaknesses within the ministry's management structure. Additionally, the recent exit of former CEO of the SNS, Fernando Araújo, was labelled an "unnecessary mistake" by Mendes, who argued that he could have been a defensive asset for the minister.
The commentary highlights broader systemic challenges, suggesting a need for reform beyond the health sector to areas like justice and emergency services. Mendes proposed the creation of an independent committee to evaluate vulnerabilities and offer solutions, recommending this to both the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic as a meaningful step forward.
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