INEM Workers Slam IGAS Report as "Functional Ignorance Demonstration" Amidst Controversy

The Workers' Commission of INEM has strongly criticized the findings of the IGAS (General Health Activities Inspection) report, which pointed fingers at individual professionals for their response to a 53-year-old man's death on November 4, 2024. This date notably coincided with strikes by INEM technicians over overtime and the broader public administration.

The commission labels the report as a "clear demonstration of functional ignorance and institutional incompetence", accusing IGAS of unfairly targeting INEM professionals. They argue this move is a "grave attack" that paves the way for a "dishonest and futile attempt to find a scapegoat."

IGAS inspectors suggested the man's death from a heart attack "could have been avoided with timely assistance" and criticized two INEM staff for "negligence or misunderstanding of functional duties." However, they also noted INEM's failure to respond to multiple calls redirected to the National CODU, highlighting an "omission of the duty to assist."

In response, the Health Ministry denies a direct link between the strike and the death, while INEM announced a disciplinary process to clarify the situation based on IGAS's recommendations.

The Workers' Commission disputes the timeline presented, stating the first call to 112 at 13:12 wasn't answered until ten minutes later, and no calls were forwarded to INEM until 13:49. They emphasize that the first real contact with the victim and on-site resources occurred at 14:18, when Albergaria dos Doze firefighters contacted Porto's CODU, asserting no calls were neglected by INEM before this point.

"It's categorically false that the strike influenced this outcome," the commission states, rejecting claims of professional omission or negligence. They demand IGAS publicly acknowledge its responsibility and correct the facts, urging the Health Minister to investigate IGAS's actions. "If attacks on INEM and its professionals continue, the conclusion is clear: destroy to sell," they warn.