The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) is currently using rental vehicles to respond to medical emergencies due to an aging fleet that frequently requires repairs. The agency's president confirmed the measure, while unions have raised concerns regarding the safety and legal compliance of using non-specialized vehicles for emergency services.
INEM fleet failures force use of rental cars
Thursday, 23 July 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.
