Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins expects the legal framework for the refounding of the National Institute for Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) to be approved by this summer. During a parliamentary inquiry, the minister outlined ten key areas for reform, including changes to the legal status of the institute and new models for emergency telephone triage. The government previously delayed the presentation of the organic law to ensure the final proposal is more comprehensive.

The president of the National Institute for Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM), Luís Mendes Cabral, stated that the institute owes approximately 9.7 million euros to firefighters for February patient transport. This figure is less than half of the amount claimed by the Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP).

The Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) has unanimously voted to terminate its cooperation agreement with the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM). The decision follows a 20 million euro debt owed to the firefighters for pre-hospital services. The termination will take effect 120 days after formal notification, potentially impacting emergency response services.

Update: Government promises solution for INEM debt to firefighters

Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves promised this Saturday that the government will find a solution in the coming days to resolve the outstanding payments. INEM acknowledged the debt, citing a need for budgetary reinforcement, and assured that emergency services will not be interrupted during the transition.

A Jet2.com Boeing 737-800 carrying 141 passengers from the UK to Gran Canaria made an emergency landing at Gago Coutinho International Airport in Faro this Thursday. The pilot declared an emergency after smoke was reported in the cabin, prompting the activation of the airport's emergency intervention plan. All passengers disembarked safely, and the aircraft is undergoing a technical inspection.

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.

Emergency services on the south bank of the Tagus are under pressure as the obstetrics and gynaecology department at Barreiro Hospital closes permanently this Wednesday. Patients are being redirected to hospitals in Almada and Setúbal, while staff at the Garcia de Orta Hospital report that rosters are at their limit. Meanwhile, Luís Duarte Costa has resigned as director of the Amadora-Sintra emergency department, citing the hospital's inability to transfer patients to wards due to a lack of beds.

António José Seguro is concluding his five-day Open Presidency (Presidência Aberta) in the Central region, specifically focusing on the Leiria district. The initiative, which involved meetings with energy regulators and local residents, addressed urgent recovery needs following severe weather in February. Seguro faced significant pressure from citizens seeking faster intervention from insurance companies and state support.

The government has established the Integrated Prevention and Operations Command (Comando Integrado de Prevenção e Operações or CIPO) to coordinate forest cleaning efforts in the Central and Lisbon and Tagus Valley regions. Ministers Luís Neves and Nuno Melo presented the initiative, which aims to remove combustible material and improve forest access before the summer season. Officials have warned that the upcoming summer could be particularly difficult, urging citizens to clear their land to mitigate fire risks.

Former National Institute of Emergency Medical Services (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Sérgio Janeiro testified that the emergency service constraints during late 2024 strikes were primarily caused by structural human resource deficits rather than the strike itself. Janeiro stated that minimum services were generally met, with only one shift failing to reach required staffing levels due to a reliance on overtime work.

President of the Republic António José Seguro has begun his first Open Presidency, a five-day tour to inspect storm-affected regions in central Portugal. During his visits, he criticized the government for delays in distributing financial support to residents and businesses, urging Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to accelerate the process.

A 57-year-old man died on Monday afternoon after being struck by a train near Moledo in the municipality of Caminha. Rail traffic on the Minho line was suspended for approximately two hours between Caminha and Carreço while emergency services, including the Medical Emergency and Resuscitation Vehicle (Viatura Médica de Emergência e Reanimação or VMER), responded to the scene. An investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.

A fire that broke out on the Sameiro hill in Braga on Monday afternoon has been brought under control after four hours of firefighting efforts. Over 100 personnel, supported by two aircraft and 34 vehicles, were mobilized to combat the flames, which were intensified by strong winds and difficult terrain. No homes were reported to be at risk during the incident.

The ongoing Easter road safety operations conducted by the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) have recorded 18 deaths and 42 serious injuries since Thursday. Internal Administration Minister Luís Neves expressed regret over the figures, urging drivers to exercise caution and avoid distractions. Meanwhile, a video showing Prime Minister Luís Montenegro traveling in a car without a seatbelt has sparked public controversy.

Update: Easter road fatalities reach 18 with high accident volume

The death toll has reached 18, with authorities reporting over 2,000 total accidents during the holiday period. Five of these fatalities occurred within the last 24 hours alone, matching the total death count recorded for the entire duration of last year's operation.

A 20-year-old man was found dead on Sunday after being reported missing at the Idanha-a-Nova dam. Emergency services, including divers from local fire departments and a GNR patrol, conducted a search operation following an alert for a near-drowning incident on Saturday.

A fire broke out Saturday afternoon in a restaurant located on Rua Morais Soares in the Arroios area of Lisbon, leading to the evacuation of the building and temporary traffic closures. Emergency services, including the Lisbon Sapador Fire Regiment (Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros de Lisboa), extinguished the blaze by late afternoon with no injuries reported. Authorities are currently investigating the cause, which initial reports suggest may have originated from a barbecue grill.

Update: Lisbon restaurant fire extinguished with no injuries

The fire was reported at 17:04 and extinguished by 17:51, according to the Lisbon Sapador Fire Regiment. Traffic on Rua Morais Soares has since reopened, and residents evacuated from adjacent buildings were permitted to return once safety checks were completed.

Four hospital emergency departments, including obstetrics and paediatrics units, are closed this Saturday according to the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) portal. The affected facilities include hospitals in Santarém, Abrantes, Portimão, and Torres Vedras. Health authorities advise the public to contact the SNS 24 health line before traveling to any emergency department.

Update: Emergency department closures continue across four hospitals

Latest updates from the SNS portal confirm that the gynaecology and obstetrics departments at hospitals in Santarém, Abrantes, and Portimão remain closed. Additionally, the paediatric emergency unit at the Torres Vedras District Hospital is also unavailable to the public.

The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) reported 13 deaths and nearly 2,000 accidents during their respective Easter road safety operations. The GNR recorded ten fatalities, including a family of four, while the PSP reported three deaths in over 1,300 accidents. Authorities also conducted extensive driver inspections, resulting in numerous arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Update: Easter road fatalities rise to 16

The death toll from the Easter road safety operations has risen to at least 16, according to the latest reports from the PSP and GNR. Authorities also noted over 600 drivers were caught speeding and 81 individuals were detained for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Around one hundred firefighters are currently battling a forest fire in Arões, located in the municipality of Vale de Cambra. The blaze, which has two active fronts, is being managed by the Sub-Regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection (Comando Sub-Regional de Emergência e Proteção Civil).

A head-on collision involving three vehicles on the IC1 road in Santiago do Cacém resulted in four deaths on Friday. The victims, all members of a German family, included two parents and their two minor children. A 69-year-old individual was also seriously injured and transported by helicopter to a hospital in Lisbon.

The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) saw a net loss of 437 officers last year, according to the latest Annual Internal Security Report (Relatório Anual de Segurança Interna or RASI). While the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) increased its staff, both the PSP and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) struggled with more departures than new recruits. The report shows that 895 elements left the PSP in 2025, while only 458 new agents joined.

More than 100 personnel and three aircraft are currently fighting a wildfire in the Pedra Bela area of the Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês). Authorities from the Cávado Sub-regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection (Comando Sub-regional de Emergência e Proteção Civil do Cávado) report that no homes are currently at risk. The fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the municipality of Terras de Bouro, involving multiple fire brigades and the GNR.

Update: Wildfire in Peneda-Gerês National Park brought under control

Emergency services have brought the fire in Terras de Bouro under control (dominado), with the status downgraded to the resolution phase (resolução) as of Sunday afternoon. While 81 personnel and 22 vehicles remain on-site for mop-up operations (rescaldo), the immediate threat to the national park has subsided. One aerial asset was used throughout the morning to douse remaining hotspots in difficult-to-access terrain.

The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) is facing criticism over claims that some staff are operating emergency vehicles without updated driving training. Former officials also allege that a lack of investment and disputes over helicopter service contracts have compromised the quality of care. These internal conflicts led some candidates to refuse leadership roles within the agency last year. Those requiring emergency medical assistance should be aware of potential service delays during ongoing labor disputes.

During a parliamentary inquiry, former National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Luís Meira testified that the government was aware of the deadlock regarding emergency helicopter tenders before the 2024 strike. Meira contradicted previous statements by the Health Ministry, claiming he provided multiple solutions that were ignored, leaving the institute without clear direction. Those relying on emergency services should note that the inquiry aims to address long-standing staffing and resource shortages.

Update: INEM seeks nearly €1 million in penalties from helicopter provider

INEM intends to fine Gulf Med Aviation Services 926,000 euros for delays and aircraft unavailability during its temporary contract in late 2025. While the company disputes the legitimacy of the fine, the institute maintains the penalties are necessary to address operational failures in the air emergency service (Serviço de Helicópteros de Emergência Médica). Those relying on public healthcare should note that these penalties relate to service gaps that occurred during a period of transition between providers.

A new centralized obstetrics and gynecology emergency service (urgência regional de obstetrícia e ginecologia) will begin operating on April 15 across the Setúbal Peninsula. The service will be split between hubs at the Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada and the São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal, while the emergency unit at Barreiro will close. Residents in the region should be aware that while emergency services are consolidating, scheduled maternity care will continue at all local hospitals.

An extreme weather event, confirmed by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) as a tornado, struck Porto Santo on Friday evening, causing widespread property damage but no injuries. The storm resulted in dozens of incidents including fallen trees, power outages, and flooded buildings. Residents in the Madeira archipelago should remain cautious as yellow weather warnings (aviso amarelo) remain in place through Sunday.

The Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) has requested emergency meetings with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. The group warns that rising fuel costs and inadequate state payments for patient transport are compromising their ability to respond to emergencies. Those relying on emergency services should be aware that the LBP is seeking an immediate renegotiation of contracts with the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM).

A group of 13 mayors from the Lisbon and Setúbal regions are requesting urgent parliamentary hearings to oppose the centralization of gynaecology and obstetrics emergency departments (urgências). The government plan involves closing local units in Barreiro and Vila Franca de Xira to consolidate services in larger regional hospitals like Almada and Loures. Residents in the affected areas should be aware that local leaders warn these closures will increase travel times and risks for expectant mothers.

A report from the Inspector-General of Health (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde) states that the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) was unprepared to handle unforeseen events during recent strikes. The investigation found that while INEM had prior knowledge of the labor actions, it failed to organize an adequate response to maintain emergency services. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware of these identified organizational weaknesses during periods of industrial action.

The first regional emergency department (urgência regional) has opened in Loures to handle obstetric cases following the permanent closure of the emergency unit in Vila Franca de Xira. While the move aims to consolidate resources, critics warn that the new system may not solve underlying staff shortages within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). Pregnant women from five surrounding municipalities will now be redirected to the Loures facility. Those relying on public healthcare in the region should be aware of these service changes.

A fire in an apartment building garage in Setúbal has left 30 residents displaced (desalojados) after the structure lost electricity and water services. The blaze destroyed one vehicle and damaged three others, with the resulting smoke causing significant damage to the building's infrastructure. Setúbal residents should note that the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária) are currently investigating the cause of the fire to determine if it was intentional.

A parliamentary inquiry into the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) revealed that many staff had already exceeded the legal limit of 150 overtime hours before the 2024 strike. Former head of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) Fernando Araújo testified that there has been a lack of political accountability for the crisis. The inquiry is investigating the breakdown of emergency services during the industrial action. Those relying on emergency services should note that the system remains under significant strain.

The government has approved a 4.3 million euro expenditure to equip police forces with 1,500 new tasers this year. The non-lethal electric weapons will be distributed between the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR). The Ministry of Internal Administration (Ministério da Administração Interna) stated the move aims to improve operational effectiveness and safety for officers. Residents should note that the rollout is planned for 2026.

A new regional emergency service (serviço de urgência) for obstetrics and gynaecology opens Monday at the Beatriz ngelo Hospital in Loures. The unit aims to centralize care and improve safety for patients from Odivelas to Benavente as the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) struggles with staffing. Those in the Setbal Peninsula should note that a similar centralized model is planned for their region to address unsustainable weekend closures.

Update: Doctors warn Loures emergency unit lacks staff for expansion

Doctors at Hospital Beatriz ngelo warn that integrating patients from Vila Franca de Xira on March 16 lacks necessary reinforcements. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, stated that the new unit in Almada will only open once medical rosters are fully completed.

The Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, Emídio de Sousa, confirmed that approximately 700 citizens have returned to Portugal from the Middle East via state-sponsored flights. The repatriation efforts involved aircraft from TAP and the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa) to assist those fleeing the regional conflict. Residents with family in the region should note that additional commercial flights, including from Emirates, continue to bring more citizens home.

The SNS will concentrate more complex obstetric emergencies at Hospital de Loures from the 16th, while SNS24 will triage and direct patients to the service best suited to their needs. The SNS executive director Álvaro Almeida has defended the move and said funding diverted from INEM limited its emergency response capacity, remarks that drew criticism in a parliamentary hearing. Those relying on public care for pregnancy or childbirth should note the change in routing and confirm where to go ahead of any emergency.

Reports say minimum services during the INEM strike were not assured because of confusion between the ministry and the institute, leaving some emergency resources idle during the late-2024 paralysation. The Frente Comum coordinator said authorities should have guaranteed coverage, and multiple outlets describe planning and communication lapses that undermined the intended fallback system. The breakdown raises questions about how future health-sector strikes will be managed and whether emergency call handling will be prioritised. Those who rely on emergency medical services should note possible disruption during protests and follow local service bulletins.

Of this amount, 35 million euros will be allocated to municipalities and intermunicipal entities affected by the recent storms that primarily hit the West region.

Around 51,000 people remain without phone or internet communications across 33 municipalities after recent severe weather, the Mission Structure (Estrutura de Missão) reports, while authorities have recorded about 139,500 claims totalling roughly €505 million. The government says it is processing thousands of requests for income support, home recovery and loans as repair work continues. Those affected should follow municipal and central-government notices about temporary support and restoration timetables.

Mayors in Barreiro called the decision to close the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit (urgência de obstetrícia e ginecologia) incomprehensible, noting the unit recorded over 16,000 births between 2014 and 2024. Separately, the Algarve Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve) said a peak in attendances caused long waits at Faro's Emergency Department but denied that temporary doctor shortages caused the six‑hour ambulance hold for stretchers. Pregnant women and residents near the affected hospitals should monitor local health-unit notices and alternative emergency arrangements.

Update: Minister maintains obstetric closure despite staff shortages

The Health Minister said the decision to concentrate emergency services will stand because of shortages of obstetricians, gynaecologists and specialist nurses, but she left open the possibility of reversing the closure if human resources improve; she described the concentration as a technical measure to ensure care. Mayors and local councils continue to protest and prepare political action against the decision.