According to the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS), this new method of care, available to people aged 18 or over, complements the existing SNS 24 Line (808 24 24 24) services, “ensuring greater speed and efficiency, especially during periods of greatest demand.”

To use this digital service, when calling the SNS 24 line, users have to select the 'respiratory symptoms' option, after which they will be invited for faster digital assistance through digital screening.

After identifying with the CPF, users receive a message on their cell phone with a 'link' and code to access the screening portal.

On the portal, after a “quick and safe initial assessment”, users will be able to have one of three possible referrals: INEM contact (in urgent cases), referral for confirmation by a SNS 24 health professional (less serious cases) or guidance to stay at home with specific care.

In cases that require validation by a healthcare professional, a priority contact number will be made available to the user.

“All answers provided in the digital screening are automatically shared with the nurse, allowing for a faster clinical assessment, with appropriate context and guidance”, highlights the SPMS, adding that this innovation was developed to “improve response capacity in periods of high demand, maintaining the high standards of clinical and procedural safety that characterise SNS 24”.

The SNS 24 Line ended 2024 with more than 3.5 million calls answered, representing an 87% growth compared to the previous year, “which reinforces the crucial role of this service in access to the National Health Service”.

During the month of December 2024, demand for Line SNS 24 intensified, reaching more than 490 thousand calls answered, an increase of more than 100 thousand compared to the previous month.