Portugal health officials meet to discuss planned INEM strikes

The Portuguese Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians Union (STEPH) are meeting to discuss potential strikes scheduled for September 14 and 28. The union is protesting reorganization measures implemented by INEM's board, led by Luís Cabral.

Key grievances include the conversion of immediate life support ambulances into light vehicles and the allocation of emergency ambulances to hospitals. STEPH argues these changes reduce patient transport capacity and compromise emergency response quality. INEM leadership has denied any reduction in resources, stating instead that they aim to reinforce the system.

STEPH president Rui Lázaro indicated that the strike could be canceled if the government accepts their demands, which focus on maintaining service quality and expanding the emergency ambulance network through 2027 without necessarily increasing spending or salaries. The meeting follows a period of heightened tension, including accusations from INEM leadership regarding the union's motives and a criminal complaint filed by the union against the institute's president.