The Tribunal de Contas (TdC) has announced the approval of the contract between the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) and Gulf Med for medical emergency air transport, involving the operation of four helicopters.
The TdC stated that it has granted clearance to the contract concerning the leasing of four aircraft and the acquisition of services for their operation and maintenance in the medical emergency helicopter service, as detailed in their official communication.
This announcement coincides with the Portuguese Air Force’s plan to start emergency medical transport on Tuesday with four helicopters available around the clock. This temporary operation also includes two helicopters from Gulf Med, which will only be operational during the day.
The involvement of the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) in medical emergency transport was disclosed last week as a provisional measure until the formal approval of the contract awarded to Gulf Med, finalized in March, by the Tribunal de Contas.
A public international tender was launched in November 2024, culminating in March with the decision to contract Gulf Med. This provides for the operation of four helicopters from INEM bases in Macedo de Cavaleiros, Viseu, Évora, and Loulé, running from July 2025 to the end of 2030.
Gulf Med has invested 40 million euros in four Airbus H145 helicopters and intends to advance pilot training in Portugal and establish a certified training organization in the country.
Last Thursday, the Ministries of Defense and Health indicated that the Air Force would ensure emergency medical air transport starting Tuesday until the TdC approved INEM’s tender process.
The government pointed out that this interim solution from both ministries ensures the National Emergency Service to Portuguese citizens until the international public tender for INEM’s helicopter emergency medical service (SHEM) receives clearance, enabling operations under optimal safety conditions.
Earlier today, prior to the TdC’s announcement, INEM confirmed that emergency air transport will commence Tuesday with four helicopters from the Air Force operating 24/7 and two from Gulf Med, flying 12 hours daily.
The contract, set between the state through INEM and Gulf Med Aviation, includes four H145 D3 helicopters with certified crews, featuring pilots proficient in Portuguese.
The international public tender was awarded to the Malta-based company for approximately 77.4 million euros.
