The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) has established minimum services and is notifying designated workers to ensure continuous response to medical emergencies for all citizens, the institute informed the Lusa news agency.
Pre-hospital emergency technicians (TEPH) have decided to join the general strike scheduled for December 11, a decision made unanimously, according to the president of the union representing them.
Rui Lázaro stated that the TEPH’s decision to join the strike stems mainly from the breach of an agreement signed in August with the Government and INEM. The agreement was expected to implement clinical action protocols that the union claims would lead to better care for citizens.
INEM also expressed reliance on the “professionalism and ethical responsibility” of the TEPH, noting that “they recognize the social impact of their work and have seen most of their demands met by both INEM and the Ministry of Health.”
“We believe, therefore, that they will maintain their dedication to public service, ensuring no emergency situation is left unanswered,” added the institute responsible for coordinating the integrated public emergency system.
At the end of 2024, two simultaneous strikes—by the public administration and INEM’s pre-hospital emergency technicians concerning overtime—resulted in the cessation of dozens of rescue operations and significant delays in answering calls to urgent patient orientation centers (CODU).
These strikes highlighted the shortage of human resources at the institute, leading the Minister of Health to take direct competence over the institute, previously delegated to the then Secretary of State for Health Management.
The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (IGAS) has concluded investigations into the 12 deaths recorded during the strikes by pre-hospital emergency technicians and linked three of them to delayed emergency response.
