Guarda mobilizes in defense of the Pediatrics and Maternity Services of the Guarda Local Health Unit.

Walk scheduled for November 17th at 6:00 PM.

The city of Guarda is preparing to take to the streets in defense of its Pediatrics and Maternity Services at the Guarda Local Health Unit (ULS). This mobilization follows the proposal for a new Hospital Referral Network in Pediatrics , currently under public consultation , which has generated strong opposition among healthcare professionals, local authorities, and the public.

The action is scheduled for November 17th , with a gathering at the Guarda City Hall at 6:00 PM, followed by a march to the ULS Guarda facilities . The initiative aims to demonstrate the community's discontent with the downgrading of the Pediatrics Service and to demand a review of the proposal presented by the Ministry of Health.

The document open for public consultation assigns the Guarda Local Health Unit (ULS) a level I classification , a decision that several local entities consider an unjustified devaluation of the work carried out and the unit's care capacity.

According to technical indicators , the Guarda Local Health Unit (ULS) meets the criteria to be considered level IIa , similar to other hospital units in the country, and not level Ib , as stated in the current proposal. This difference has direct implications for the hospital's response capacity in areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and neonatology , and may affect access to specialized care in the region .

The population and institutions of Guarda are thus united in defense of a quality health service , emphasizing the importance of maintaining and strengthening the pediatric and maternal care services in the largest hospital in the interior of the country.