People should call the SNS 24 line for non-urgent cases.
• Photo: CMTV
Health centers refuse to register new users after the maximum limit has been reached
The Ministry of Health announced, on Friday, that about 190 health centers will operate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day during additional hours, to respond to non-emergency cases, with the aim of reducing pressure on emergency cases in hospitals.
The Ministry of Health said in a statement that 234 health centers will be opened on Saturday, 191 on Sunday, and on Christmas Day 187, 187 centers will be operated, explaining that this measure is part of the strategic plan for the seasonal health response – winter 2023 – 2024.
The plan is implemented by groups of health centers and regional health departments, in cooperation with the Executive Directorate of the SNS.
“This communication aims to contribute to the population’s awareness of alternatives to emergency services in the event of acute, non-emergency illness, with the aim of reducing pressure on these services through care that can be provided elsewhere in the NHS,” the ministry explained. the health.
Residents are advised to call the SNS 24 line in non-emergency cases, such as mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, to obtain advice and possible referral to the nearest health unit, and in emergency cases to call 112.
In 2023, the SNS 24 service answered about 1.8 million calls, with November recording the highest number of answered calls with more than 186,000 calls, followed by October with more than 173,000 calls.
The Ministry of Health states that “the appropriate use of health services allows timely response to patients, which is crucial to improving the performance of the network of National Health Service units.”
It also praises “the commitment of health workers, especially during this season, and wishes safe and healthy celebrations for all residents.”
