The president of the League of Portuguese Firefighters said this Wednesday, February 18, that INEM did not previously warn about changes in service at the Urgent Patient Guidance Center (CODU) during the strike of pre-hospital emergency technicians at the end of 2024.
“We were not contacted in advance to let us know that there was a substantive change in service”, stated António Nunes, at the parliamentary commission of inquiry (CPI) into the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) to determine responsibilities during the strike at the end of 2024 and the relationship between political guardianships and the institute since 2019.
According to the official, firefighters and citizens were caught “completely off guard” with the delays in responding to emergencies.
Antônio Nunes explained that fire departments began to receive direct calls from citizens who were unable to receive assistance from INEM, a situation they considered “surprising and worrying”.
“There were systematic delays in service and many firefighters were unaware of what was happening”, he stressed.
The leader highlighted that, although he recognizes the right to strike, adequate minimum services should have been ensured, which did not happen.
“There were fire departments that were very surprised when people started calling them,” he reported.
The LBP president also highlighted that Samu’s public image contributed to the confusion.
“Citizens hear about INEM and CODU as prestigious entities. When they see a yellow ambulance they say ‘INEM is coming’, and there are firefighters inside, not INEM”, he highlighted
For Antonio Nunes, the episode demonstrates failures in planning and communication, with a direct impact on citizens’ trust and the response capacity of the medical emergency system.
Between October 31 and November 4, 2024, during the overtime strike of pre-hospital emergency technicians, 12 deaths were recorded, three of which were associated with delays in providing assistance, according to the General Inspection of Health Activities (IGAS).
Composed of 24 deputies to determine political, technical and financial responsibilities relating to the current situation of INEM, the CPI was approved in July last year on a proposal from IL.
The focus includes INEM’s actions during the strike at the end of October and beginning of November 2024 and the relationship between political guardianships and the institute since 2019.
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