Portugal Health Minister Resigns After Pregnant Indian Tourist Dies

PORTUGAL: The Health Minister of Portugal, Marta Temido, resigned on Tuesday after she was criticised for her failure in handling the situation involving the death of a pregnant Indian tourist.

Temido's decision to temporarily shut down emergency obstetric services and forcibly transfer an Indian pregnant woman between hospitals was widely criticised.

Notably, her resignation came after five hours following the death of a pregnant woman in Lisbon, wherein, she stated that she "no longer had the conditions" to perform the duties of the post, and the Prime Minister agreed with her.

The President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was already expecting the resignation request from Temido as he was considering a proposal to replace him.

Due to a lack of openings in the neonatology service, a pregnant Indian woman was relocated from Hospital de Santa Maria to Hospital Sao Francisco Xavier, on Tuesday, where she passed away on Saturday.

As per reports, a cardio-respiratory arrest occurred during the journey, and CPR efforts were made on the transport but failed.

At the Sao Francisco Xavier Hospital, the expectant lady was "subject to an immediate cesarean surgery, with the newborn, weighing 722 grams, going to the neonatal critical care unit for preterm," according to Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte (CHULN).

"The mother was hospitalized in intensive care, and died", indicated the CHULN, sending "the deepest condolences to the family".

Meanwhile, until a replacement is selected and appointed, Marta Temido will continue in her position. The Council of Ministers, which is scheduled to meet on September 15, must approve the replacement. However, the presentation can be foreseen.

The Secretaries of State Antonio Lacerda Sales and Maria de Fatima Fonseca will also leave the Ministry of Health.

As per a report by BBC, the health crisis has been compounded by similar incidents in recent months including two cases of infant deaths whose mothers had apparently been transferred between hospitals causing long delays.

Also Read: Pregnant Indian Tourist Dies In Portugal, Health Minister Marta Temido Resigns

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