The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, confirmed that several hospitals have activated level 1 contingency plans due to the current heatwave. Emergency services have been reinforced, and the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) has reported a significant increase in call volume throughout June compared to the previous year.
Hospitals activate contingency plans amid heatwave
Wednesday, 24 June 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
