Financial risks at the mercy of

The scenario is “extremely disturbing”. Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa is currently living on the results accumulated in previous years and these funds are starting to run out, without the institution being able to recover the revenues it lost during the years of the pandemic.

The Ombudsman, Edmundo Martinho, is ending his term, but the remaining members of the Board of Directors are already mostly in the current administration, and the Deputy Ombudsman, Joao Pedro Correa, has already relinquished his duties for more than a year. The heads of departments and employees have been waiting for changes for a long time, because it is known to all that the current provider and the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Ana Mendez Godinho, do not communicate what has left the institution waiting for a new provider.

But as time goes by, the situation becomes more serious. Gaming revenue, SCML’s largest source of funding, fell sharply in the pandemic years and never returned to previous levels. Therefore, the competition that appeared in the market with the entry of many online gambling operators that attracted more and more fans was heavy. According to sources heard by Nascer do SOL, the fact that there is no strategy to face the new competition, as well as the lack of a plan to find new sources of financing, are factors that contribute to a ‘critical scenario’ in the accounts of the institution that in Lisbon bears a large part of the responsibilities state social.

The financial fragility of the Misericórdia de Lisboa is further exacerbated by the new responsibilities that this organization has assumed in recent years.

devastating investments

In a very difficult economic situation, Hospital da Cruz Vermelha ended up being absorbed by Santa Casa da Misericordia de Lisbon which at the end of 2020 acquired 55% of the capital, while Parpublica acquired the remaining 45%. ). The Lisbon-based hospital was in technical bankruptcy when it was acquired, with a liability of €7.3m, to which were added significant losses in 2021 (6.7m), with similar losses expected when accounts are closed from 2022.

Clínica Oriental de Chelas was another acquisition by Santa Casa. At the end of 2020, the owners of this clinic dedicated to pregnancy and postpartum care signed a donation protocol for the clinic to Santa Casa, asking in return to provide this institution with the capacity to provide end-of-life care. This became another strain on the finances of the Misericórdia de Lisboa Foundation, which has since assumed the clinic’s financial obligations. As we found out, the SCML budget leaves 236,000 euros a year for expenses.

Santa Casa Global is another gap that has greatly affected the financial balance of the main social support institution in Lisbon. At first, it was thought of as a way to recover revenue lost in recent years. But the provider’s plans went awry, and this entity, which has an independent legal personality, designed to explore out-of-doors gambling activity, has not only succeeded in fulfilling its mission, but has already cost the coffers of the Misericórdia de Lisboa 8.5 million euros.

The other white elephant in the SCML accounts is Asia’s expected home. The art collector Francisco Cabello negotiated with Edmundo Martinho to house his extensive art collection in purpose-built equipment by Santa Casa. Between business and organization costs at Casa da Asia, €4.778 million has already been taken out of the foundation’s coffers. This is without taking into account the contracts already concluded for the operation of the museum house.

Closed and infrequently used equipment

It is well known that palliative and continuing care units are among the greatest needs in the country. To specifically address this need, the facilities of the former military hospital in Estrella were handed over to the Misericórdia de Lisboa, so that he could set up a continuous care unit there. The works have been carried out effectively and part of the building is already operational. But only part of it, because a great deal of the space is unused, is waiting for a destination and in the meantime, it houses a theater company, the House of Neverless, which develops its business there for free.

Another piece of equipment that’s been done waiting for its destination is Monsanto’s Nestle building. It was thought to be a residence for the elderly. The works have been in place for over a year, but Santa Casa’s budget does not contain any indication or budget for putting these facilities into service. As they told Nascer do SOL, no one knows what will happen there.

The Holy House without a king or castle

One SCML leader commented to Nascer do SOL: “Misericórdia de Lisboa has very important responsibilities towards the most vulnerable and this confusion is starting to affect our ability to intervene.” The impasse that is happening makes officials and leaders anxious, who despair of a new administration that has the ability to dialogue with the guardianship and make decisions. It is that the responsibilities, especially in times of social crisis, increase every day and it takes “guidance and management to steer this boat that is too large and which cannot withstand”, not least because the requests are piling up as was the case recently with the necessity of accommodating all those left homeless by the recent floods in Lisbon. .