On Tuesday, Portugal’s Health Minister Dr. Marta Temido resigned, hours after the death of a pregnant Indian tourist (34) who suffered from a cardiac arrest while being transferred from one hospital to another in Lisbon due to the non-availability of a bed.

According to local media reports, Dr. Temido’s resignation came after intense criticism over the closure of emergency care services, a lack of doctors in hospitals, and cases of pregnant women who suffered complications due to the inability of the National Health Service to respond. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Prime Minister, Mr. Antonio Costa, twitted that he was "grateful" for all the work done by health minister Temido, especially in combating the COVID pandemic. The prime minister also promised that he would continue with reforms to strengthen the healthcare system.

The Indian tourist was 31 weeks pregnant and was taken to the Santa Maria Hospital after complaining of shortness of breath. Santa Maria Hospital is one of the country’s largest healthcare facilities. The statement issued by the hospital stated that after her condition was stabilized, the hospital transferred her to the Sao Francisco Xavier hospital as its neonatal department was full when she went into cardiac arrest on the way.