Two national health watchdogs have launched separate inquiries into the case of a baby born with a congenital brain haemorrhage who had to be transferred from Faro to Lisbon by road after the Algarve’s only equipped medical helicopter was unavailable.
The Health Activities Inspectorate (IGAS) confirmed on Monday that it has opened a inquiry into the case, asking both INEM – Portugal’s national emergency medical service – and the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS Algarve) to provide explanations.
Meanwhile, the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS) told news agency Lusa that it has opened an evaluation process to analyse the facts and determine whether all procedures were followed.
The incident, which took place on Friday, October 31, raised serious concerns about emergency medical coverage in the Algarve, after it was revealed that the region’s only INEM helicopter equipped to carry incubators and neonatal life-support systems was grounded for maintenance.
INEM insists, however, that no helicopter could have been deployed due to the adverse weather at the time.
As a result, the newborn had to be transferred to a Lisbon hospital by ambulance over several hundred kilometres, accompanied by a specialised medical team. The baby reportedly arrived safely, though still in critical condition at Dona Estefânia Hospital’s intensive care unit.
