The position of ANTEM follows an interview with Leonor Furtado, where she stated that the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) shows structural deficiencies “in almost all areas,” including information systems, coordination of resources, and incident triage.
“The public statements reveal a significant lack of understanding of the subject and undermine confidence in the CTI’s work,” the association warns in a statement, expressing concern about how the process has been conducted, denouncing the lack of transparency and the absence of the report produced by the commission.
According to the association, Leonor Furtado’s assertions that the creation of the paramedic role evokes “goosebumps,” “are deeply concerning and incompatible with the technical rigor expected from a commission with this mandate.”
“The other statements are even more worrisome and demonstrate a lack of knowledge of what constitutes a pure emergency medical service, which naturally is incompatible with the mission of the INEM’s CTI.”
ANTEM emphasizes that the paramedic is a regulated profession with defined training, competencies, and international framework, and cannot be reduced to an “advanced technician.”
Leonor Furtado mentioned that the creation of the paramedic profession was discussed, but the “measure did not proceed because it could create tension with doctors and nurses.”
Questioning why the report remains inaccessible to the public and the entities that provided technical and operational contributions, the association argues that Portugal should align with proven effective models adopted by countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, which are international references in the field of medical emergencies.
ANTEM underscores that the CTI’s objective should be the establishment of a “true emergency medical service,” based on scientific evidence and free from “prejudices or corporate interests.”
Therefore, it considers it essential that “the entire report and associated documentation be fully disclosed, allowing for a transparent, rigorous, and informed analysis by professionals, institutions, and the country.”
In the report delivered to the Ministry of Health, the CTI recommends a profound reorganization of INEM, with immediate and structural measures.
The report proposes the creation of a single attendance center integrating 112 and SNS24, the reduction of emergency helicopters from four to three, enhanced training for pre-hospital emergency technicians to perform stabilization acts and administer some medications, and the direct allocation of differentiated means to hospitals.
On Sunday, the Government announced plans to advance a new Organic Law of INEM by the end of January 2026, intending to consult political forces in parliament, especially the PS.
The Ministry of Health, led by Ana Paula Martins, confirmed it has received the final report from the Independent Technical Commission (CTI) for INEM’s reorganization, which identified “structural deficiencies” in INEM.
“The Government ensures that by the end of January 2026, a Decree-Law establishing the new structure and organization of INEM will be approved, ensuring a robust, transparent model fully aligned with the best international practices,” it highlights.
