The Paissandu community in the Lago Grande district, in West Barra, has already seen 528 telemedicine visits since its implementation on October 19, 2021. The venue is a pioneer in digital primary health care (PHC) policy, a collaboration of the UK Government with Hospital das Clínicas da USP, Developed by the Municipality of Santarém, through the Municipal Health Administration (Semsa).
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Medical consultations are carried out by Dr. Flavia Varela, through computers in the Community Basic Health Unit. The UBS team consists of nursing technicians Lauro Alves, Zilene Nobre and Nurse Graça Almeida, and they receive and triage patients.
This method is very effective in the daily life of the residents of the community, since the trip to Santarém takes about 5 to 6 hours.
“The trip from the community to Santarém by boat takes about 5-6 hours. So, it was too bad for us to go into town for a consultation. Until I get there, the person will die of pain, but now that we have the doctor working with us online. She’s amazing, she’s really a life saver, I always come and do well.” Resident Margarida Reese reports.
Agility makes life easier for members of the community, and in some cases, patients leave the unit with prescribed medications.
“It was a great novelty, because the service is faster and more flexible, the doctor really does the diagnosis, she really gives the medicine, if we have it in the unit, we take it home, it makes our lives a lot easier, highlights a resident and teacher in the unit, community, Lucivânia Pena.
With the distance, it is more difficult to find doctors to be part of the team.
“Working in the Amazon is very complicated, it is very difficult for a doctor to come and work here, and for a long time we depend on doctors from Santarem and Corway. Telemedicine came and fulfilled this demand. Now, I have a whole team working in the community, and this brings safety to me as a professional and to our patients , who even agreed to this service.” Explanation of Coordinator and Nurse at UBS, Graça Almeida.
The Digital APS project is a collaboration between the UK Government and Hospital das Clínicas da USP, whose strategic pillars are the creation of innovative solutions, including primary care and digital health workforce preparation, through a cooperation agreement. Government institutions and hospitals, community members can access consultations with doctors remotely, through telemedicine.
The Paissandu community was selected to receive this pilot project, which was implemented on October 19, 2021, and has already served more than 528 residents.
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Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.