INEM workers criticize new organic law for failing to address core issues

The Workers' Commission (CT) of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) has criticized the new organic law that came into effect in August. According to CT coordinator Rui Gonçalves, the legislation has only provided measurable improvements regarding the remuneration and status of institute leaders, failing to address critical issues such as human resources recruitment, financing, and flexible procurement of goods and services.

During a parliamentary health commission hearing, Gonçalves also warned of organizational chaos resulting from the shift from a regional logic to a transversal national service model. The new law removes specific mentions of North, Center, and South delegations, which workers claim has hindered articulation between services.

In a separate testimony, INEM president Luís Cabral requested legislative changes to increase the percentage of automobile insurance funds allocated to the institute from 2.5% to 4% to bolster pre-hospital emergency funding. While the government views the law as an essential tool for the institute's restructuring, several political parties have submitted proposals for amendments.