The Local Health Plan of the Barlavento Algarvio, a strategic document that identifies the main problems existing in this territory, in this sector, but also solutions to overcome them, was presented on Tuesday, in Portimão.
The main objective of the plan is, according to the Regional Health Administration (ARS) of the Algarve, «to identify the main health needs, propose intervention strategies and recommendations to guide action and support decision-making in the health sector and in the community. in general, with a view to obtaining health gains and reducing inequalities».
The preparation of this document was coordinated by the Public Health Unit of ACeS Barlavento of ARS Algarve in collaboration with the heads of primary health care and the University Hospital Center of the Algarve and with the municipalities and social networks of the municipalities of Aljezur, Lagoa, Lagos , Monchique, Portimão, Silves and Vila do Bispo.
Together, the partners defined the priority objectives, which include "reducing morbidity and mortality from mental illness and diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of overweight/obesity and morbidity-mortality from cerebrovascular disease", but also by “increase oral health promotion activities and the provision of oral health care in the Health Units of the SNS of Barlavento Algarvio”.
For Paulo Morgado, president of the Algarve ARS, this document assumes a "fundamental role" in strengthening the provision of health care to the population.
«The fact that we feel that all the chambers, that multiple associations of civil society have been actively involved in this process of elaboration of the Local Health Plan, gives us great encouragement to move from theory to practice and for all together to move in the same direction and transform this reality. We have a lot of room to improve».
One of the improvements to be made is related to the number of users who still do not have a family doctor in this territory, bearing in mind that the Barlavento Algarvio is an area with recognized needs at this level. A problem that Paulo Morgado assured that the ARS is trying to solve.
“In 2014 we had more than 106 citizens without a family doctor assigned. At the end of 2017 we have 45 338 users without a family doctor, in other words, we took an important step towards improving accessibility in this windward area. Today we signed a contract with more nurses, and a considerable number will come to ACeS Barlavento», he stressed.
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