Sérgio Janeiro was appointed in July 2024 as the interim president of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) and was replaced on Monday by Luís Cabral.
During his tenure at INEM, Sérgio Janeiro faced a strike by pre-hospital emergency technicians. The strike began on October 30 and was suspended on November 7, prompting the Inspectorate-General of Health Activities to open 12 inquiries into deaths that occurred during this period. It concluded that in three cases, delays in emergency response were directly linked to the strike.
In a letter accessed today, Sérgio Janeiro mentioned that INEM “is undergoing a period of reorganization, which should be viewed as an opportunity with strategic vision.”
“There is still a long way to go to improve working conditions, both in the main buildings and in the operational bases of INEM,” he said.
He remarked that there is a renewed Medical Emergency Helicopter Service (SHEM), with “new vehicles (both for emergencies and general services) expected shortly, the appropriate survey and design of existing information systems in progress, aiming at projecting an integrated vision for future technological improvements”.
Looking ahead, he stated that “the future should be approached with optimism and unity” but criticized those who “individually or through associations/societies of questionable representativeness and integrity, only use defamation of the INEM brand for self-promotion”.
“INEM is not and cannot be an island,” emphasized the outgoing president, advocating for strengthened synergies with universities, scientific partners, professional orders, and other entities linked to civil protection.
In his farewell, the military man thanked everyone for their dedication and made a special mention of the board member, Alexandra Ferreira, highlighting “humanism, compassion, and competence” as hallmarks of her collaboration.
The board member, who also left a farewell message, emphasized the advances achieved in the last 15 months.
Appointed in July 2024, Alexandra Ferreira considered the period one of “great transformation, overcoming, and quality public service”.
Among the progress made, she highlighted the hiring of 177 pre-hospital emergency technicians, reducing the rate of inoperability, and revising the career paths of professionals in the sector.
The director also recalled strengthening internal structures, complying with the recommendations of the Inspectorate-General of Health Activities and the emphasis on digitalizing systems.
In the legislative and budgetary field, she noted the proposals sent for reviewing INEM’s Organic Law and the authorization to integrate the 2024 budget balance into that of 2025.
Alexandra Ferreira also mentioned the acquisition of 282 new vehicles and the launch of the new SHEM.
