The Algarve Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve or ULS) has launched an inquiry into the refusal of a 40-week pregnant woman at Faro Hospital. While Health Minister Ana Paula Martins stated the patient should have been admitted, the ULS maintains the case was assessed as low-risk and did not require emergency intervention.
Inquiry opened after Faro Hospital refuses pregnant woman
Wednesday, 27 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
5 sources
- Health Minister and Algarve ULS provide conflicting accounts regarding pregnant woman in labour refused at Faro Hospitalexpresso.pt ·
- Algarve Local Health Unit opens inquiry into case of pregnant woman denied assistance in Farocmjornal.pt ·
- ERS investigates refusal of pregnant woman at Faro Hospitalobservador.pt ·
- Faro Hospital refuses admission to pregnant woman in imminent labour. Minister awaits clarification from ULS and welcomes INEM interventioncnnportugal.iol.pt ·
- Algarve Local Health Unit opens inquiry into case of pregnant woman left without assistance in Farortp.pt ·
