In total, 520 PEMs are operated across fire services and the Portuguese Red Cross to deliver near-countrywide first-aid support.

Officials say the current increase addresses funding needs but is not the final amount; resources will continue to be secured for INEM through the legislative period.

The Portuguese government will raise the fixed monthly subsidy per Emergency Medical Post (ambulance) in the SIEM from 8,760 euros to 10,800 euros starting July 1, a 23% increase and an extra 2,040 euros per ambulance per month.

Overall, the subsidy increase brings the PEM allowance from 8,700 euros to 10,800 euros per unit, benefiting the country’s 520 PEMs.

This raise builds on a 2024 subsidy of 6,690 euros per ambulance, marking a cumulative rise of over 54% across the two-year span of the current government’s term.

The funding is a priority, with continued efforts to secure INEM resources for the rest of the legislature.

A Palmela incident where a 63-year-old man died after a 67-minute VMER wait underscored perceived resource shortages; the Health Minister acknowledged strain, pledged 44 new VMER vehicles soon, and cited years of underinvestment.

Officials stress firefighters are strategic partners of the National Health Service and essential for territorial cohesion, with the aim of securing better conditions for ongoing emergency service delivery.

There are ongoing concerns about funding and resources, including warnings from the Portuguese Firefighters League about potential private-sector involvement in urgent patient transport and delays in paying ambulance transport costs.

INEM currently operates about 520 ambulances, most deployed through fire brigades and the Portuguese Red Cross, ensuring wide local and rapid emergency coverage.

Health Minister announced the increase during the National Firefighters Day ceremony in Paredes, with the Interior Minister in attendance.

The Health Minister highlighted that the update covers all 520 emergency posts and reinforces territorial cohesion and rapid response facilitated by firefighters.