Portugal’s Health Minister says the case “does nothing to build trust among the Portuguese”
A new scandal is rocking Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS), this time involving a dermatologist at Lisbon’s Santa Maria Hospital who allegedly earned around €400,000 over just 10 Saturdays in 2024 through extra surgeries carried out under the SIGIC program.
According to a report by CNN Portugal, the doctor allegedly earned €400,000 over 10 Saturdays in 2024 through additional surgical shifts — one of which involved removing benign lesions from his own parents.
At the center of the case is the SIGIC system (Integrated Management System for Surgery Scheduling), a government initiative that allows hospitals to perform surgeries outside normal hours to reduce long waiting lists.
At the same time, the Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (IGAS) has launched its own investigation into the use of SIGIC for additional surgical work in the public health service (SNS). This includes a full audit of dermatology operations at Santa Maria Hospital since 2021, covering financial practices and patient classifications under the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) system.
Health Minister Ana Paula Martins addressed the controversy on Monday, expressing deep concern.
“This case does nothing to build trust among the Portuguese,” she said. “Until the facts are clarified, a shadow of suspicion remains over the institution — the largest hospital in the country — especially for those still waiting for a surgery or consultation.”
