The Municipality of Chaves expressed its profound displeasure regarding the absence of the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, from the meeting convened for this Wednesday, October 14th, at the Ministry of Health in Lisbon. The encounter aimed to discuss public health policies for the National Health Service (SNS) in the Alto Tâmega and Barroso region.
The President of the Chaves Municipal Chamber, Nuno Vaz, along with the presidents of the Intermunicipal Community of Alto Tâmega and Barroso (CIMAT), attended the meeting, considered of utmost importance. However, the meeting could not proceed as planned, with an alternative proposed involving the Secretary of State for Health, Francisco Pinheiro Catalão.
Nuno Vaz described the situation as unacceptable and indicative of a lack of institutional consideration, particularly concerning a sensitive issue like universal access to healthcare. The six mayors jointly decided not to accept the meeting with the Secretary of State, arguing that the significance of the matters requires direct dialogue with the Minister.
The municipalities reiterate their commitment to joint action for the benefit of their populations and demand the rescheduling of the meeting with the Minister of Health for a serious discussion on the region's needs. Nuno Vaz emphasized that healthcare cannot be treated with postponements or insufficient responses, calling for political attention and concrete measures for the interior regions.
