The General Inspectorate of Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) is investigating the deaths of ten patients who were on waiting lists for cardiac surgery at the Santo António hospital. These deaths reportedly occurred between 2022 and 2025, prompting oversight bodies to demand accountability for the long wait times.
Health inspectorate probes deaths at Santo António hospital
Monday, 4 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
IGAS is the Inspectorate-General for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS), the government body that inspects and audits public and private health services, investigates complaints and can recommend sanctions or changes. After reported failures in emergency care, IGAS can open inquiries, publish findings and advise the Ministry or the SNS on corrective measures; residents and patients can also file complaints that IGAS may investigate.
