The 2026-2030 Municipal Health Strategy, unanimously approved by the Pombal Municipal Assembly last Thursday, September 24th, establishes the vision, objectives, and priority interventions for health and well-being in the municipality over the next five years. The document reinforces the Municipality of Pombal's commitment to a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient territory.
The president of the Câmara Municipal de Pombal, Pedro Pimpão, highlighted the importance of "strengthening the services of the Pombal District Hospital and maintaining universal and free access to emergency services," emphasizing the points of agreement between the Executive and the opposition in the area of Health.
Developed in collaboration with the University of Aveiro and initiated in January 2023, the Strategy resulted from a participatory process involving local entities, institutional partners, and the community. It aligns with the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the National Health Plan 2021-2030.
The strategy is based on the principle of "Health in All Policies," recognizing the influence of education, mobility, environment, and social inclusion on quality of life. Five strategic axes were defined: Health Education and Communication; Healthy Behaviors and Lifestyles; Health-Promoting Contexts; Equity and Access to Healthcare; and Institutional and Intersectoral Governance.
For its implementation, the Strategy foresees 14 interventions, including the creation of the Municipal Office of Health and Well-being, the Local Platform for Innovation in Community Health, the initiative Saúde sobre Rodas (Health on Wheels), the project Ombro Amigo (Friend's Shoulder - mental health), and programs focused on healthy eating, physical activity, sustainable mobility, and access to healthcare.
The document also includes measures to strengthen the healthcare network, improve the response to population aging, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce inequalities in access. Priorities include health literacy, disease prevention, mental well-being, and proximity-based responses for the most vulnerable citizens.
The Municipal Health Strategy had already been unanimously approved by the Municipal Health Council of Pombal and in a Chamber meeting.
