The Portuguese Air Force will ensure the emergency medical transport service starting July 1st. This solution was announced this Thursday by the Ministries of National Defense and Health.
Government's Temporary Solution
The aerial emergency medical transport service will be provided by Portuguese Air Force aircraft and medical teams. This interim measure was adopted by the Government until the International Public Tender for the Medical Emergency Helicopters Service "receives the approval of the Court of Auditors" and can be operationalized "under the best safety conditions".
Background of the Tender
The tender, launched in November 2024, was awarded in March to Gulf Med Aviation Services, based in Malta, securing a €77.7 million contract for five years. However, the winning company did not have any medical emergency helicopters ready to fly 24/7 by July 1st, the scheduled start date for the four helicopters provided by the new contract winner.
Current Developments
RTP has learned that the first two helicopters are expected to arrive in early July, but their flight time will be limited for safety reasons. This situation might extend until the end of August, prompting INEM to formally request assistance from the Air Force last week.
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