According to the opening program published this Friday by the Ministry of Health, about 190 health centers will be open over the New Year’s weekend, similar to what happened on Christmas Day.
“To ensure a timely response to non-emergency acute illnesses, health centers will continue to serve users throughout the long weekend, with approximately 190 branches remaining open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with additional hours.” This is stated in a statement from the ministry published today.
According to the calendar, on Saturday, the 30th, 233 clinics will be open, and on Sunday, the 31st, 193 clinics will be open.
On Monday, a public holiday, January 1, and Tuesday, January 2, 187 medical centers will be open.
This measure, as the ministry explains in the document, is part of the Strategic Plan for the Seasonal Health Response for Winter 2023-2024, implemented by health center groups and regional health departments in collaboration with the National Health Service Executive Directorate (NHS).
Health Minister Manuel Pizarro has already announced this Friday the strengthening of the work of health centers with extended opening hours on weekends and New Year’s Day to reduce the burden on emergency services.
The minister then reiterated that before going to hospital, people should call 112 if they think it is an emergency, or SNS 24.
Also in the statement, the Ministry of Health said that in the event of a non-emergency acute illness, the use of alternatives available to emergency services, such as health centers and SNS 24 digital services, “helps reduce the burden on hospitals.” emergency care, through care that can be provided elsewhere in the NHS.”
“In non-emergency situations, such as mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, the public should contact SNS 24 for advice and possible referral to the nearest health facility. In emergency situations, you should contact 112,” also warns the ministry, which “recognizes the commitment of health workers this season in a special way and wishes health to the entire population in the new year.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.