INEM between “escape” and “refoundation”: Minister now has direct control of the service

“I don’t run away, I don’t lie, I don’t hide, I will continue the journey we are taking”, said Ana Paula Martins. There is no dismissal, and the minister is already thinking about “refounding” the INEM system.

The Minister of Health announced yesterday that the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) became her direct dependent, claiming that the institute assumes a “huge priority” due to the social alarm of recent days.

“INEM has been under my direct dependence since two days ago because it is a matter of enormous priority as we can see”, said Ana Paula Martins, after meeting with those responsible for the institute, in Lisbon.

As he mentioned, INEM was a priority when the current Government came into officebut, “in spite of the social alarm it has caused in recent days”, it is necessary to restore the population’s trust in the system.

When asked whether the fact of calling itself directly dependent on INEM is the recognition that the Secretary of State for Health Management Regarding the impacts of last week’s strike, the minister stated that her decision “is just recognition” that the matter is important, urgent and a priority.

Given this, “my time in my day-to-day life has to be dedicated more than 70% to solving INEM problems”, highlighted the Minister of Health.

The Minister also assured: “I commit, on behalf of the Government, to carry out the necessary measures to refound INEM”.

As deaths of 11 people allegedly associated with failures in INEM’s service led to the opening of seven investigations by the Public Ministry (MP), one of which has already been archived. There is still an ongoing investigation of the General Inspection of Health Activities (IGAS).

It worsened during the week-long overtime strike by pre-hospital emergency technicians, who are demanding a career review and better salary conditions.

A strike was suspended after signing a protocol negotiation between the Government and the sector union.

The president of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) admitted yesterday that it was impossible to meet minimum services during the pre-hospital emergency technicians (TEPH) strike, when not being able to obtain a scale above 70% of workers.

“Although we issued a circular and contacted several workers, with a lot of effort, we were unable to ensure that the scale was met above 70%,” he told reporters. Sergio Janeiroafter meeting with the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins.

Asked if the workers refused to perform the minimum services, Sérgio Janeiro said that this “situation will be evaluated and investigated”.

“First there will be an investigation process and, naturally, if there is room for disciplinary proceedings, naturally we will determine responsibilities. […] We will investigate in detail all the notifications that were made and the entire context surrounding this situation, he maintained.