INEM rejects claim of removing 100 ambulances, cites modernization plan
The Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica (INEM) said there is no dismantling of the emergency system and no removal of 100 ambulances. INEM explained that a modernization process will transfer 54 emergency ambulances to Local Health Units (ULS) and convert 46 Support‑Immediate‑Life (SIV) ambulances into light vehicles, while keeping all assets integrated in the national emergency network.
The INEM Workers’ Commission warned that the changes could affect 71 municipalities, including Lisbon and Porto, increase pressure on fire services and the Portuguese Red Cross, and pose an “added risk” to patients. The commission demanded that Health Minister Ana Paula Martins clarify her stance or replace INEM’s governing board, and the STEPH union threatened protests if no response is given by 1 August.
Entities: Ana Paula Martins · Comissão de Trabalhadores do INEM · Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica (INEM) · Luís Mendes Cabral · STEPH union · Sindicato dos Técnicos de Emergência Pré‑Hospitalar (STEPH) · Workers’ Commission of INEM
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [DISPUTED] INEM plans to remove 100 ambulances from its operational fleet. (Workers' Commission)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Workers demand Health Minister Ana Paula Martins clarify her position or replace INEM’s governing board under the new organic law. (INEM Workers’ Commission)
- [● 11 SOURCES] INEM President Luís Mendes Cabral confirmed the ambulance transfer and conversion in an interview. (INEM President)
- [● 14 SOURCES] 54 ambulances will be transferred to Local Health Units (ULS). (ININ President Luís Mendes Cabral)
- [● 14 SOURCES] STEPH union warned of protests if the minister does not respond by 1 August. (STEPH union)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Workers say the removal will increase pressure on fire services and the Red Cross and raise risk for patients. (INEM Workers’ Commission)
- [● 14 SOURCES] 46 SIV ambulances will be converted into light vehicles, losing patient‑transport capacity. (INEM President Luís Mendes Cabral)
- [● 13 SOURCES] The plan will affect 71 municipalities, including Lisbon and Porto. (INEM Workers’ Commission)
- [DISPUTED] INEM states there is no dismantling of the emergency system and no removal of 100 ambulances. (INEM officials)