Minister acknowledges difficulties in emergency services during summer and promises to review overtime decree

Responsible parties, including ULS administrations, clinical directors, and senior nurses, try to find alternative solutions to avoid service closures, and they usually manage to find a way out. Ana Paula Martins recalled that there were no problems observed during the June holidays, unlike in previous years when there were '10 or 12 truly closed emergency services'.

The minister acknowledged the current summer period as 'extremely difficult', insisting that unforeseen circumstances can arise even with the most careful planning.

Review of Overtime Decree

Regarding the dispute over her Ministry's decree, which reduced the payment for overtime hours for teams participating in the 'Green Roads' program for treating coronary arteries, stroke, and vascular emergencies, the health minister took responsibility for 'significant oversights' in the document published on June 29. She stated: 'I signed the decree myself, so naturally, I must be accountable for it. It should not have been published with such content.'

Ana Paula Martins supported the Order of Physicians on many issues and promised to review the decree jointly with the Order of Physicians and involved specialists. The minister expects a new version of the document within the next two or three weeks, which will be 'balanced, safe, and continue to provide our green roads that save so many lives.'

Impact of Heat on Mortality

When asked about the impact of the current heatwave on mortality rates, the minister reported that there is no consolidated data yet. She explained that since the 'heatwave has not ended yet', it will only be possible to link recorded temperatures to potential mortality consequences in a few weeks.