The Portuguese government orders General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) to audit National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM). The audit will assess how INEM has been managing its human resources and financial spending.
The government aims to identify problems and recommend improvements. The IGF must deliver a report by the end of March but further monitoring may continue if needed. This move reflects the government commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in a critical sector.
Read More About: NATO Secretary General In Lisbon Meets With Marcelo And Montenegro
Government Orders To Audit INEM
The Minister of State and Finance Joaquim Miranda Sarmento and the Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins made this decision.
A joint statement from the two ministries highlighted:
The Minister of State and Finance, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, and the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, determine that the IGF carry out an audit of the functioning of INEM, in the organizational, administrative and financial domains, with regard to the management and evaluation of human resources and the realization of expenditure, which contribute to the development of its activity
It will focus on how INEM manages its resources and expenses to support its services. This step is part of a broader effort to strengthen the public health system and address growing concerns about INEM’s performance.
Collaboration With IGAS And ACSS
The IGF will work with the General Inspectorate of Health Activities (IGAS) and the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS). The main focus is on the years from 2021 onward and the audit may also include earlier periods if necessary.
The government explained that doubts about INEM’s recent performance prompted this decision. Regular reviews of documents were not enough to provide a full understanding of the situation. Therefore an on-site evaluation was considered necessary to gather clear evidence and address systemic issues.
The statement said:
There is therefore a need to assess ‘in loco’ the conditions and terms of operation of the respective services, in order to obtain evidence that can support a clear and complete view of the situation”
The statement emphasized that INEM plays a critical role in providing emergency medical care to citizens. This justifies constant evaluation to ensure it meets high standards of organization and performance.
Any identified issues can then be addressed quickly to prevent disruptions to emergency services. The government has acknowledged the complexity of the challenges faced by INEM and expressed a commitment to provide the necessary support to enhance its efficiency.
Recent Audits And Concerns
The Ministry of Health also requested that IGAS audit INEM in July. This separate review focuses on the legality and financial correctness of INEM’s operations. Currently, this audit is in the adversarial phase.
Former leaders of INEM requested more time to respond to the findings which was granted until January 31. These audits underscore the importance of a thorough review process to ensure all aspects of INEM’s operations are scrutinized.
The Government also said:
By the end of March, the IGF must present a report with the results of the audit, without prejudice to being able to continue monitoring the implementation of improvement measures considered pertinent
Health Minister Ana Paula Martins acknowledged INEM’s problems during a parliamentary hearing in October. She admitted that INEM was struggling to respond adequately to emergencies and lacked resources.
However, she said a detailed plan to reform the institute would only be created after the audits were completed. This admission highlighted the urgency of addressing the institute’s shortcomings and ensuring it can meet public expectations.
Independent Technical Commission
The Ministry of Health has also formed an Independent Technical Commission to propose a new organizational model for INEM. Judge Leonor Furtado will lead this commission. Its goal is to study INEM’s current structure and suggest ways to improve its operations.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to reform INEM and enhance its role in the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIEM). The commission work will complement the audits and provide a framework for long-term improvements.
The creation of the commission reflects the government’s recognition of the need for a strategic approach to address the challenges faced by INEM. The government aims to ensure the proposed solutions are practical and sustainable by involving experts and stakeholders.
Strikes Highlight Resource Issues
Recent strikes have brought attention to INEM resource challenges. Public administration workers and INEM technicians stopped working overtime in November. This caused delays in emergency services and disruptions in call centers.
These strikes highlighted the lack of human resources at INEM. Minister Ana Paula Martins stated that managing these resources is the institute’s direct responsibility. However this task has been delegated to the Secretary of State for Health Management.
The strikes showed how resource shortages can affect INEM ability to provide timely emergency services. Many calls to emergency centers faced delays which led to concerns about public safety. The strikes also emphasized the need for a clear strategy to attract and retain skilled professionals within INEM.
Importance Of INEM Audit
The audit aims to provide a clear picture of INEM’s current state. INEM role in emergency healthcare makes it vital for the institute to function efficiently.
The audit findings will guide future reforms and ensure better service delivery. This initiative underscores the government commitment to building a robust and responsive healthcare system.
The findings will also help address public concerns about INEM ability to handle emergencies effectively. The government can implement targeted measures to improve performance and restore public confidence by identifying the root causes of inefficiencies.
The IGF will present its findings by March 31. If necessary it will continue monitoring how INEM implements recommended improvements. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance are committed to ensuring INEM operates effectively.
The government aims to address the challenges facing this essential service. The results of the audit will play a key role in shaping the future of INEM and ensuring it remains a reliable pillar of Portugal’s healthcare system.
