Physiatrist's First Knowledge of the Case
In 2023, the physiatrist became aware of the twins' case following the prescription of wheelchairs by a doctor in their service, which he deemed "a bit high" during validation.
Four Electric Wheelchairs Requested
The director of Physiatry at Santa Maria reported that four electric wheelchairs were prescribed—two from Alcoitão and two purchased by the hospital, which were later given to other children since the twins never picked them up.
Criticism of Public Fund Management
He remarked, "The wheelchairs prescribed by Santa Maria were delivered there and never left Santa Maria. It didn’t seem like good management of public funds."
Mother's Concerns Over Missing Support Products
The physiatrist revealed that the twins' mother mentioned a lack of support products and that there were nine support products prescribed over four occasions for the Lusobrasilian twins, including wheelchairs prescribed on February 20, 2023, and delivered at the end of 2023.
Changing Needs of the Children
The doctor noted that “the children came with a plethora of items” to Portugal, but their needs changed as they grew. The first support equipment was prescribed on January 27, 2021, while the wheelchairs were prescribed on February 20, 2023.
Unusual Admission Process
The director of Physiatry expressed that it wasn’t “normal” how the children were admitted to Santa Maria Hospital, stating that he had never seen such a case in nearly 40 years of career.
Denial of Pressure by Medical Staff
Before being questioned by parliament members, Dr. Francisco Sampaio stated that the involvement of his service was due to a "normal internal request" to observe the children and that he received no pressure from the administration.
CPI's Next Steps
The committee investigating the twins' case decided to ask the President of the Assembly of the Republic to appeal the Supreme Administrative Court's decision regarding the inquiry committee's name.
Neuropediatrician Acknowledges Pressure
Neuropediatrician Tiago Proença dos Santos admitted there was “pressure” and that the letter he initiated aimed to highlight the cost of a medication for patients already treated in Brazil.
Clarification on Treatment Choices
He clarified that “we never thought these patients should not be treated” and that Dr. Teresa Moreno was never forced to choose Zolgensma as a treatment.
Discussion of the Case's Implications
Proença dos Santos noted that this case opens “two Pandora's boxes,” acknowledging the complexities involved when treating patients already receiving care in their home countries.
The hearing continues as the investigation seeks to uncover the full story behind the twins' medical journey.
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