In a sentence dated 11 February, the Luanda court upheld the precautionary measure brought by the president of Ormed, Elisa Gaspar, against the Northern Regional Council.
The court thus ordered the defendants (Northern Regional Council and five doctors, including the president of the Doctors' Union, Adriano Manuel and members of the management commission) "to refrain from practicing acts that would disturb the normal functioning of the Order".
As well as "breaking into Ormed's premises", "promoting acts of contention on social media" or spreading "insulting messages with unfounded accusations against Ormed and its president", until the final decision in the main action through a court, determined the decision.
Speaking to Lusa, a source from the Northern Regional Council said that they will proceed with an action to suspend the precautionary measure, without giving further details in view of the impediments imposed by the precautionary measure.
He added, however, that the action must be filed this week, as it must be requested within eight days after the sentence.
Internal conflicts at Ormed have dragged on since last year and prompted public statements by Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta last month, who appealed to "common sense" for doctors to overcome the crisis.
The Northern Regional Council of Ormed approved, on October 17, 2020, the dismissal of Elisa Gaspar, and new elections should be promoted in 90 days.
According to the resolution approved at the end of the extraordinary general meeting, in addition to the dismissal, it was also decided to create a commission of inquiry to analyze the irregularities and promote an independent audit.
Elisa Gaspar, who has served as president of Ormed for more than a year, is accused of "misappropriation of funds and harmful management" of the institution, including an alleged diversion of 19 million kwanzas, and "other unjustified expenses".
The president denied all charges and refused to step down, as her term runs until 2022.
