Portugal raises ambulance subsidy for firefighters by 23%

From 1 July 2026 the Portuguese government will increase the fixed monthly subsidy paid to each Posto de Emergência Médica (PEM) operated by the fire services from €8,760 to €10,800 – a 23 % rise amounting to an extra €2,040 per ambulance. The boost applies to all 520 PEMs that together provide roughly 90 % of pre‑hospital emergency medical response in Portugal and are integrated with the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) and the Portuguese Red Cross.

The Health Minister Ana Paula Martins announced the measure at the National Firefighters’ Day ceremony, stressing that firefighters are a priority for the government. The subsidy had risen from €6,690 in 2024 to €8,760 in 2025; the cumulative increase now exceeds 54 % over the two‑year period. The ministry said other INEM‑related payments will be adjusted for inflation and highlighted the continued commitment to improve resources for emergency services.