The deaths allegedly related to the lack of assistance by INEM have already led to the opening of five investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP), one of which was shelved due to lack of evidence of a crime.
According to information provided to Lusa by the Attorney General's Office (PGR), investigations were opened by the Public Prosecutor's Office into the deaths that allegedly occurred as a result of the lack of assistance by the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) in Bragança, Cacela Velha, Vendas Novas, Almada and Ansião.
Regarding the cases of Bragança, Cacela Velha, Vendas Novas and Almada, the PGR stated that “they are under investigation”.
«Regarding the facts of Ansião, following the communication of the death, an investigation was opened. Having collected the evidence – namely the information from the GNR; the statements made by witnesses, as well as the external habit report carried out – the Public Prosecutor's Office concluded that there was no evidence of the commission of a crime, and the investigation was archived», explained the PGR regarding the archiving of the investigation into Ansião's case.
The PGR also adds that “as for other situations”, it is still “awaiting information”.
The failures or delays in the response of the 112 service and in the referral to the Urgent Patient Guidance Centers (CODU), of INEM, due to the strike of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians (TEPH) have raised controversy and have already led to the death of at least seven people.
On October 30, the TEPH began an overtime strike to demand a career review and better salary conditions, a strike that was suspended on Thursday, after the union signed a negotiation protocol with the Ministry of Health.
On Monday, the strike forced 44 emergency services across the country to stop during the afternoon shift, worsening delays in service on the 112 line.
At least seven people are believed to have died in the last week as a result of delays in service on line 112, with INEM already confirming the impact of the strike.
On November 03, the Government requested an internal audit from INEM to assess the conditions in which two deaths occurred that had been reported by the Union of Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians.
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