The SNS executive director announced a new system for handling obstetric emergencies starting on the 16th, where more complex cases will be directed to Loures Hospital, while Vila Franca de Xira will handle less serious cases. The SNS24 line will assess and direct pregnant women to the appropriate services. During a hearing, the director defended the performance of INEM and discussed the impact of funding diversions on emergency services.
More complex emergencies will go to Loures and the "simpler" ones to Vila Franca de Xira
Thursday, 5 March 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica) is Portugal's national emergency medical service, responsible for coordinating and providing pre-hospital emergency care. It operates the country's emergency medical dispatch system, activated through the European emergency number 112.
INEM deploys ambulances (including basic and advanced life support units), medical helicopters (VMER), and motorcycle response units across Portugal. It also manages the CODU (Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes) — the emergency call centers that triage incoming 112 calls and dispatch the appropriate medical response.
INEM has faced persistent challenges including ambulance shortages, staffing gaps (particularly among emergency medical technicians), and long response times in rural areas. These issues have made INEM a frequent subject of political debate, with calls for better funding, improved working conditions, and expanded coverage. Residents should know that calling 112 connects to INEM's triage system, and knowing your exact location speeds up emergency response.
AI Summary AvailableLoures to take urgent obstetrics cases from Vila FrancaRead the synthesized summary with context and explainers
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