The temporary closure of the Health Poles of Loriga and Vide, in the municipality of Seia, came into effect today and runs until September 21, due to the vacation period of the three professionals assigned to the Family Health Unit (USF) Nova Estrela. This situation generated strong concern among local residents, who fear a possible permanent closure of the proximity service, something that the USF coordination and Seia Municipal Council categorically reject.
The doctor and coordinator of USF Nova Estrela, Sara Campos, guaranteed that the unit has the full staff required in medicine, nursing, and administration, and that rotation during vacation periods is a common practice applied to the entire structure. "The USF has 11,000 patients and access is equal for everyone. The same thing happens when the Tourais or Pinhanços poles close, or when I or another colleague at headquarters are on vacation," said Sara Campos, emphasizing that no permanent closure has ever been considered.
Despite institutional assurances, reports from residents and the mayor of Loriga, Luís Costa, point to difficulties in contacting the Seia Health Center by phone and to the absence of same-day appointment availability. The Parish Council of Loriga, which also serves patients from Cabeça, Alvoco da Serra, Sazes da Beira, and Valezim, provided support in scheduling and transporting residents, and reported that it would attempt to contact the USF again tomorrow at 8 a.m. to obtain appointments.
The president of Seia Municipal Council, Luciano Ribeiro, reiterated that the doctor assigned to these communities will be maintained and that patients with regular treatments had their care rescheduled in advance. USF Nova Estrela assures that the headquarters in Seia operates five days a week for inter-substitution consultations in acute situations, while urgent cases should be directed to the hospital emergency service or through the 112 line.
