The Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL) has formally asked the Portuguese government for clear and detailed explanations about rumoured changes to emergency medical services, the national health system and civil protection structures.
As AMAL points out, the changes under consideration are reported to include a reorganisation of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), the possible closure of INEM’s Regional Delegation in the Algarve, changes to the Urgent Patient Guidance Centres (CODU), structural adjustments within the National Health Service (SNS), and a reorganisation of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).
However, not many other details have been revealed, leaving local authorities in the Algarve concerned about their potential impact on emergency response and operational coordination in the Algarve.
In response, the association, which represents all 16 municipalities in the region, approved a motion unanimously expressing “serious concern and apprehension”. The document calls on the government to provide immediate and detailed clarification on the scope, reasons, timeline, objectives and operational consequences of any planned reforms. The request is addressed directly to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Internal Administration.
In its motion, AMAL reaffirms its firm support for strengthening emergency medical services, the SNS and civil protection in the Algarve. It stresses that any reorganisation must respect and build upon investments already made, including the Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command and the Algarve’s INEM Regional Delegation. It also calls for the continuity and improvement of CODU response levels, the reinforcement of ANEPC’s regional presence – specifically through hosting a Special Civil Protection Force company – and guarantees that the Algarve will not lose operational capacity or quality of care.
The document also highlights the importance of transparency regarding the public tender for the construction of the new Algarve Central Hospital. AMAL insists that the government’s commitment to this project must not be “weakened or delayed”, especially at a time when significant reforms are being discussed within the health sector.
AMAL underlines that any changes to the structure or operation of the SNS, INEM, CODU or the civil protection system will have a direct effect on public safety and public confidence, particularly in a region that is one of Portugal’s leading tourist destinations. The Algarve’s “demographic, territorial and seasonal characteristics,” combined with its international visibility, require a strong and well-adapted emergency response system, AMAL insists.
The intermunicipal community also recalls that the region has long faced structural shortages in healthcare services, including a lack of human resources and limited hospital capacity. Given this reality, AMAL argues that any reform should not merely preserve existing services but actively strengthen them.
Finally, AMAL calls for urgent, clear and comprehensive clarification from the government and demands “maximum transparency, institutional dialogue and the involvement of local authorities throughout the decision-making process”.
The motion will also be sent to the presidents of INEM and ANEPC, Members of Parliament elected by the Algarve, and other relevant regional entities.
