Ana Jorge

Portuguese pediatrician and politician

Ana Jorge at the EMCDDA, 26 June 2010

Ana Maria Teodoro Jorge (born 23 September 1949) is a prominent Portuguese pediatrician and politician. She is best known for her role as the Minister of Health in the Government of Portugal from 2008 to 2011. Her career has been marked by significant contributions to the Portuguese healthcare system, particularly in the areas of pediatric care and public health policy.

Early Life and Education

Ana Jorge was born in Lisbon, Portugal. She pursued her medical education at the University of Lisbon, where she specialized in pediatrics. Her early interest in child health and welfare led her to focus on improving healthcare services for children in Portugal.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Ana Jorge began her career as a pediatrician. She worked at several hospitals in Lisbon, where she gained a reputation for her dedication to patient care and her expertise in pediatric medicine. Her work in the field of pediatrics was instrumental in advancing child healthcare services in Portugal.

Political Career

Ana Jorge's transition from medicine to politics was driven by her desire to influence healthcare policy at a national level. She joined the Socialist Party and was appointed as the Minister of Health in 2008 under the government of Prime Minister José Sócrates.

Minister of Health

During her tenure as Minister of Health, Ana Jorge focused on several key initiatives:

• Healthcare Reform: She implemented reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and accessibility of the Portuguese healthcare system. This included efforts to reduce waiting times for medical procedures and to enhance the quality of care provided in public hospitals.

• Public Health Initiatives: Ana Jorge was a strong advocate for public health initiatives, particularly those targeting childhood obesity and vaccination programs. Her policies emphasized preventive care and health education.

• Pediatric Care: Drawing on her background in pediatrics, she prioritized the improvement of healthcare services for children, ensuring that pediatric care was a central focus of her health policies.

Later Career and Contributions

After leaving her position as Minister of Health in 2011, Ana Jorge continued to be active in the field of healthcare. She returned to her roots in pediatrics, working as a consultant and advisor on child health issues. Her contributions to healthcare policy and her advocacy for children's health have left a lasting impact on the Portuguese healthcare system.

Related Pages

• Healthcare in Portugal
• Pediatrics
• Socialist Party (Portugal)
• José Sócrates