António Lacerda Sales accused of abuse of power in medical case

António Lacerda Sales, the former Secretary of State for Health, faces accusations of prevarication and abuse of power regarding the administration of the Zolgensma medication to Luso-Brazilian twins at Hospital de Santa Maria. Investigations by the Public Ministry have uncovered WhatsApp messages suggesting Lacerda Sales facilitated requests from various public figures and members of the Socialist Party to the hospital's clinical director, Luís Pinheiro.

Among those mentioned is presenter Rita Ferro Rodrigues, who denies seeking improper favors. She maintains her contact with Lacerda Sales was a legitimate attempt to ensure dignified palliative care for a terminal friend. Former Health Minister Marta Temido has also defended Lacerda Sales, stating she believes there was no intention of favoritism and that he was simply attempting to resolve a human crisis.

In response to the investigation, Daniela Martins, the mother of the twins, has rejected claims of irregularity. She clarified that large sums of money in her account were the result of a prior crowdfunding campaign and asserted that her children received only the medical support and equipment to which they were legally entitled.