Latest news and stories about emergency services in health in Portugal for expats and residents.
The external paediatric surgery emergency department at Hospital Dona Estefânia in Lisbon will remain closed until Sunday at 8:00 PM. The clinical director cited a critical shortage of anaesthesiology staff as the reason for the temporary suspension of emergency surgical services.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) is evaluating a proposal to end night-time medical helicopter transport as part of a broader restructuring plan. The potential changes include basing emergency services at hospitals and utilizing military aircraft for patient transport.
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.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) paid 9.7 million euros to firefighters this Monday, settling debts for urgent patient transport services provided in February. While the Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) confirmed receipt of the funds, they warned that another 10 million euros for March is due this Thursday, with the potential for agreement termination still under discussion.
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.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
The Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa) coordinated the medical evacuation of a 76-year-old American woman from a cruise ship west of the Azores archipelago. The rescue operation, initiated on Friday, resulted in the patient being transported to a hospital in Ponta Delgada for treatment.
The Marinha Portuguesa (Portuguese Navy) is the branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces responsible for naval operations and maritime surveillance. It plays a key role in search and rescue missions, particularly in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, and protects Portugal's extensive maritime territory.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) is under scrutiny after its emergency dispatch centre, the CODU, reportedly refused to authorize hospital transport for a 55-year-old blind man. Although the CODU initially dispatched an ambulance from the Arruda dos Vinhos fire department to the Marvila area in Lisbon, it later denied the patient admission to the hospital. Firefighters proceeded to transport the man to the Hospital de São José regardless of the instruction.
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.
The CODU (Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes) is the emergency medical dispatch center responsible for coordinating urgent pre-hospital care in Portugal. It operates under the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) to assess medical emergencies and dispatch the appropriate resources, such as ambulances or helicopters.
The widow of a man who died in Pombal during a strike by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) testified before a parliamentary inquiry committee. She criticized the lack of minimum services during the walkout and demanded accountability for the delayed emergency response. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) is seeking legal opinions regarding the potential recall of INEM official Cristina Vaz Tomé.
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.
The Democratic Alliance (Aliança Democrática, AD) is a center-right coalition primarily composed of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 89 seats and the CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) with 2 seats. Together, they form the current minority government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
The PSD, despite its name, occupies the center-right of Portugal's political spectrum and has been one of Portugal's two dominant parties since 1974, having formed nine governments including four with absolute majorities. The CDS-PP is a smaller Christian democratic party that has historically been the PSD's coalition partner.
The AD coalition governs without a parliamentary majority, requiring case-by-case support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The coalition has imposed a cordon sanitaire against Chega, refusing formal cooperation with the far-right despite its parliamentary strength, which means it must negotiate with the PS or smaller parties to advance its legislative agenda.
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.
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
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.
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).
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.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
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.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
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.
Luís Neves will take office on Monday as Minister of Internal Administration. He graduated in law and has worked at the Judicial Police since 1995, where he served as coordinator of a national unit and developed a long career in criminal investigation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Luís Cabral is the president of INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica), the agency that coordinates Portugal’s pre‑hospital emergency services and medical dispatch for 112 calls. In the recent story he said delays were caused by stretchers being held up in hospitals, which can tie up ambulances and reduce the system’s ability to respond to new emergencies.
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 Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
If you need emergency care and a local ED is understaffed, call 112 for life‑threatening situations or contact the national health triage line (SNS 24) for urgent guidance; the operator can direct you to the nearest hospital with capacity or arrange an ambulance. As an expat, also consider local private hospitals or clinics if available and keep your health insurance details and ID ready to speed up admission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Luís Meira is the former president of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM), serving from 2015 until mid-2024. His leadership was marked by public debate over staffing levels and the efficiency of the 112 emergency dispatch system. SNS patients should be aware that his recent testimony addresses the long-standing human resource gaps affecting emergency care in Portugal.
The air emergency service is the helicopter network managed by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) for urgent medical transport. It has recently faced fines and operational issues due to delays from private aircraft providers. Residents in rural areas should note that this service is the primary way to reach specialized trauma centers quickly.
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.
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).
Electoral Mandate and Democratic Consensus:
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was elected President of Portugal on January 24, 2016, winning 52.0% of the vote in the first round—a decisive victory in a fragmented field. He campaigned as an independent, positioning himself as a unifying figure after years of austerity from Portugal's 2011–14 bailout, promising to repair political divisions and restore national confidence. His campaign emphasized moderation and cross-party consensus, a departure from his decades-long association with the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD). Upon taking office on March 9, 2016, he suspended his party membership for the duration of his presidency.
His 2021 re-election proved extraordinary: Rebelo de Sousa secured 60.7% of the vote—the third-highest margin in Portuguese presidential electoral history since the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Historically, he became the first candidate ever to win in all 308 municipalities and the vast majority of parishes, ranging from 51.3% in Beja District to 72.16% in Madeira. This unprecedented sweep reflected his broad appeal across social, geographic, and ideological divides.
Constitutional Role and Crisis Leadership:
Portugal operates as a semi-presidential system where the president, while largely ceremonial, exercises meaningful influence over national security, foreign policy, and military affairs as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Rebelo de Sousa leveraged this authority during Portugal's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, he requested parliamentary authorization for a state of emergency—the first nationwide declaration in 46 years of democratic history—to contain the crisis. He voluntarily quarantined after potential COVID-19 exposure in March 2020, and later tested positive in January 2021 while remaining asymptomatic. His measured handling of the pandemic, balancing public health with institutional continuity, contributed to his landslide 2021 re-election.
Diplomatic Engagement and International Presence:
Rebelo de Sousa has conducted extensive state visits representing Portugal's interests across diverse regions: the Vatican, Spain, Mozambique, Morocco, Brazil, Switzerland, Cuba, the United Kingdom, Greece, the United States, and Angola. A notable diplomatic highlight occurred in 2019 when he joined President Emmanuel Macron at the Bastille Day military parade in Paris, representing European military cooperation and the European Intervention Initiative. These engagements positioned Portugal as an active participant in global affairs, particularly regarding colonial history and Atlantic security partnerships.
Colonial Legacy and Historical Accountability:
During his presidency, Rebelo de Sousa has publicly supported making restitution and acknowledging abuses committed during Portugal's colonial history and the country's role in the Atlantic slave trade. This position marked a significant policy shift, as Portugal historically avoided confronting its imperial past compared to other European powers. His stance reflected evolving attitudes within Portuguese society toward historical accountability.
Controversies and Public Criticism:
Rebelo de Sousa's presidency has not been without controversy. In 2023, allegations emerged that he had intervened to expedite treatment for Brazilian twins with Zolgensma, an expensive rare disease medication, raising questions about presidential influence and potential corruption. These claims implicated his son and generated criticism across Portuguese political and media sectors. Additionally, in April 2024, Rebelo de Sousa made controversial remarks comparing the speed of Prime Ministers António Costa and Luís Montenegro using orientalist language that drew public rebuke. In August 2025, he called U.S. President Donald Trump a "Russian asset" at a PSD event, demonstrating his willingness to make provocative foreign policy statements.
Constitutional Constraints and Legacy:
Under Portugal's constitution, Rebelo de Sousa is barred from running for a third consecutive term, meaning his presidency concludes with elections scheduled for January 18, 2026. His decade-long tenure has established him as one of Portugal's most popular recent heads of state, characterized by broad consensus-building and institutional stability. Whether future presidents can replicate his cross-party appeal remains an open question for Portuguese democracy as it enters a new era.
Luís Filipe Montenegro Cardoso de Morais Esteves (born February 16, 1973, in Porto) is a Portuguese lawyer and center‑right politician who has served as Prime Minister of Portugal since April 2, 2024. A long‑time member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), he is the leading figure of the post‑Troika generation of Portuguese conservatives. Montenegro was elected to the Assembly of the Republic in 2002 for the Aveiro district and remained an MP for 16 years, becoming PSD parliamentary leader from 2011 to 2017 during the bailout and austerity period under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. He was a prominent defender of strict austerity measures, arguing in 2014 that “the life of the people is no better, but the life of the country is a lot better,” a phrase that has followed his public image since. After an unsuccessful leadership bid against Rui Rio in 2020, Montenegro won the PSD leadership in 2022. He then forged the centre‑right Democratic Alliance (PSD–CDS‑PP and allies), which won a plurality of seats in the 2024 legislative election. Refusing to partner with the far‑right Chega, which he has called “often xenophobic, racist, populist and excessively demagogic,” he formed a minority government as head of the XXIV Constitutional Government on April 2, 2024. His first government fell in March 2025 after a no‑confidence vote linked to a conflict‑of‑interest affair, but fresh elections saw the Democratic Alliance increase its seat share, allowing Montenegro to return as prime minister leading the XXV Constitutional Government. His importance to Portugal lies in attempting to re‑center the traditional centre‑right after the crisis years, defending liberal‑conservative economics and EU alignment while drawing a sharp line against formal cooperation with the radical right, thus shaping how Portuguese democracy manages its new multi‑party era.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
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.
Emergency departments (urgências) are hospital units that provide 24/7 unscheduled care for serious injuries and sudden illnesses, using triage to prioritise the most urgent cases. For expats, call 112 for life‑threatening emergencies or use the SNS24 helpline (808 24 24 24) for medical advice; expect long waits in public urgências during busy periods and consider private urgências if you have health insurance and need faster care.
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.
IGAS is the Inspectorate-General for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS), the government body that inspects and audits public and private health services, investigates complaints and can recommend sanctions or changes. After reported failures in emergency care, IGAS can open inquiries, publish findings and advise the Ministry or the SNS on corrective measures; residents and patients can also file complaints that IGAS may investigate.
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 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.
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.
Fernando Araújo is a physician and the former Executive Director of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), a position he held until mid-2024. He was responsible for the Local Health Units (Unidades Locais de Saúde) reform, which integrated hospital and primary care services to improve efficiency. SNS patients should note that his public criticisms often highlight ongoing issues with emergency room wait times and medical staffing.
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.
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Algarve Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve) is the public organisation that manages hospitals, primary care centres and emergency services across the Algarve region. Expats living in the Algarve rely on it for emergency care, specialist appointments and local public-health information, and should register with a family doctor in its network to access most services.
The president of the Vila Franca de Xira municipality said the possible permanent closure of obstetric emergency services at the local hospital is of “the greatest gravity,” and that the five municipalities served by the unit will contest the decision with the Government and bring the issue to Parliament. The move signals organised local resistance and could prompt national debate about how smaller hospitals retain urgent maternity services. Residents served by the hospital should follow municipal announcements and local political developments.
One month after storm Kristin, Leiria hospital is still feeling the effects: in the first six hours after the storm 177 polytrauma patients arrived at the emergency department, staff worked without communications, roads remained blocked and many people reached the hospital in their own cars. Medical teams say the surge and infrastructure problems have left services stretched and recovery of normal operations is ongoing. Those relying on emergency care in the Leiria district should expect delays and follow local health unit notices.
Polytrauma means a person has multiple serious injuries to different body parts or organ systems at the same time, commonly from car crashes, falls or disasters. It requires rapid, coordinated emergency care and triage; the 177 polytrauma patients who arrived in the first six hours after storm Kristin show how quickly hospital emergency services can be overwhelmed.
Leiria hospital (Hospital de Leiria) is the main public hospital serving the Leiria district and offers emergency, surgical and inpatient care as part of Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). In the storm response it treated many severe cases, illustrating the role regional hospitals play in local emergencies.
An elderly woman died in an emergency-area observation ward at Gracia de Orta Hospital after triage and being directed to clinical observation, Correio da Manhã reports. The case has raised fresh concerns about waiting times and staffing in emergency services (serviço de urgência). Those relying on SNS care should be aware of local pressures on emergency departments and check alternatives for non-urgent needs.
Emergency departments (urgências) are hospital units that provide 24/7 unscheduled care for serious injuries and sudden illnesses, using triage to prioritise the most urgent cases. For expats, call 112 for life‑threatening emergencies or use the SNS24 helpline (808 24 24 24) for medical advice; expect long waits in public urgências during busy periods and consider private urgências if you have health insurance and need faster care.
Hospital Garcia de Orta is a public hospital in Almada, on the south bank of the Tagus near Lisbon, serving the Almada–Seixal area with emergency, inpatient and specialist services. Being directed to the clinical observation area means a patient is being short-term monitored inside the emergency department while doctors decide on treatment or admission, so expect standard ED triage and possible wait times.
A union has publicly accused Ana Paula Martins of making a 'manifestly false statement' during a parliamentary hearing; the minister defended herself, saying she relayed the information she had been given, CNN Portugal and Expresso report. The dispute centres on the accuracy of information presented to MPs and has prompted strong language from union leaders. The incident could heighten scrutiny of ministry briefings and parliamentary exchanges; those following health‑sector policy should watch for formal replies or records of the hearing.
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
Regional obstetrics emergency services at hospitals in Barreiro and Vila Franca de Xira will close in mid‑March, with pregnant patients from Barreiro redirected to Hospital Garcia de Orta in Almada and those from Vila Franca sent to Hospital de Loures, RTP reports. Local users and politicians have criticised the decision as political and a strategic error, saying it will lengthen journeys for urgent maternity care. Expect changes to where to go for labour emergencies and check the receiving hospitals’ guidance if you live in those municipalities.
Correio da Manhã and Observador report the Firefighters' League said it received inadequate notice about how services would operate during a strike by INEM staff, raising concerns about emergency coverage. The dispute involves the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) and the Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros). Residents in affected areas should monitor local emergency-service announcements until the dispute is resolved.
Update: Firefighters say strike notice on services insufficient
Both Correio da Manhã and Observador quote the Liga dos Bombeiros saying the notice about how services would be organised during the INEM action was inadequate, heightening worries about gaps in emergency coverage.
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.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
