Former Health Minister Manuel Pizarro has publicly stated that it is impossible for the Air Force to manage the national medical emergency helicopter service. Speaking before a parliamentary inquiry into the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM), Pizarro argued that the operation would require a level of staffing that the military cannot currently provide. He also criticized the handling of recent INEM strikes, claiming he had previously warned the current administration about the urgent need for a new tender.
Former Health Minister questions Air Force emergency role
Wednesday, 15 April 2026AI summary
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.
5 sources
- Manuel Pizarro says that, "if he were minister", the consequences of the INEM strike "would never have happened"CNN Portugal ·
- Former minister denies that delay in INEM helicopter tender was due to financial reasonsRTP Notícias ·
- Former minister says it is impossible for the Air Force to ensure medical emergency serviceCorreio da Manhã ·
- "It would never have happened". Pizarro criticises strike managementObservador ·
- Former minister Manuel Pizarro says it is impossible for the Air Force to ensure medical emergency servicesPúblico ·
