The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) announced that the new emergency air transport contract, awarded to the Maltese company Gulf Med Aviation Services, guarantees from today “the permanent availability” of four aircraft based in Macedo de Cavaleiros, Viseu, Évora, and Loulé, “ensuring air coverage across the entire mainland territory” on a “24/7 basis”.
The contract was awarded to Gulf Med in late March, but the full 24/7 service only began in October, partially covering the bases in Macedo de Cavaleiros, Évora, and Loulé.
The international public tender that awarded the service to the Maltese company for approximately 77 million euros anticipated the operation starting on July 1 with four helicopters, which did not materialize.
In response, INEM proceeded with a direct adjustment with the same company to prevent an interruption in the transport of patients in medical emergencies, although the Court of Auditors rejected the approval of this contract.
Gulf Med has considered pursuing legal action against the Portuguese State, disputing allegations by the Court of Auditors, which accused the company of acting in bad faith in the process with INEM.
The international public tender was launched in November 2024, with the final decision to award it to Gulf Med announced in March, envisaging the operation of four helicopters at INEM bases in Macedo de Cavaleiros, Viseu, Évora, and Loulé until 2030.
The medical emergency air transport was being handled by the Maltese company in an operation supplemented by the Portuguese Air Force, which INEM had to enlist in July to make up for the lack of aircraft.
The new medical emergency helicopters allow for “the inter-hospital transport of newborns with clinical safety and stability,” as they are equipped to carry incubators.
