Redesigned Social Networking Software: SNS24
SNS 24 App and Portal Modernization Enhances Digital Health Services in Portugal
The Ministry of Health's Shared Services (SPMS, EPE) has overseen the evolution of SNS 24, a digital health platform, since 2017. Recently, the platform has undergone a significant technological upgrade, transforming it into a more intuitive, user-friendly service with new features and services.
The updated SNS 24 App and Portal offer a broad range of digital health services, providing citizens with more control and improved access to healthcare. Key improvements include:
- Direct booking of diagnostic and therapeutic exams (CDTM) through partner clinics via the portal, making it easier to schedule complementary health services.
- Digital dental check-ups are now available through the app, expanding telehealth options.
- Users can access their personal health information anytime, anywhere, including vaccine records, health summaries, medication details, test results, and various other digital health services such as teleconsultations, medical certificates, and telemonitoring.
- The ability to add multiple users (up to 10) to the app, facilitating family management of health data.
- Enhanced communication options, including editing personal contact details and contact with SNS 24 via phone, chat, and sign language.
- Integration of the COVID Digital Certificate of the EU within app services.
- Overall improvements in convenience, security, reliability, and autonomy for users managing their health digitally.
These improvements have been made possible through an investment of over €1.5 million, supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Although the exact involvement of the RRP is not explicitly detailed, these modernizations typically align with Portugal’s strategic development goals within the RRP framework. The RRP in Portugal has prioritized digital transformation and innovation in public services, including healthcare, making it highly probable that the app and portal enhancements have been at least partially funded or supported through this European Union recovery initiative.
The SNS 24 anniversary event, scheduled to take place at the Pavilion de Portugal in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, aims to discuss the opportunities digital technology offers for promoting health literacy and patient rights. The event will bring together citizens, professionals, journalists, leaders, and partner organizations to celebrate the growth and evolution of SNS 24 and its impact on the healthcare landscape in Portugal.
Since its inception as a telephone line, SNS 24 has grown into an omnichannel platform with around 400 branches nationwide, offering a comprehensive, multi-channel digital platform for Portuguese citizens. The recent updates mark a significant step in SNS 24’s journey, underscoring its commitment to improving accessibility, security, and user autonomy in healthcare.
[1] SNS 24 - https://www.sns24.min-saude.pt/ [2] Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) - https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/recovery-plan-europe_en [3] Ministry of Health's Shared Services (SPMS, EPE) - https://www.min-saude.pt/pt/spms/spms
- The latest upgrades on the SNS 24 platform, a digital health service in Portugal, have been bolstered by an investment of over €1.5 million, which is supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).
- In addition to medical-condition management, the SNS 24 App offers digital dental check-ups, expanding the telehealth options available to users, thereby contributing to the technology industry.
- The technology-driven modernization of SNS 24 has led to a user-friendly platform, providing citizens with easy access to their personal health information such as vaccine records and test results, enhancing health-and-wellness.
- By offering features like direct booking of diagnostic and therapeutic exams and the availability of digital dental check-ups, the SNS 24 App aligns with Portugal's strategic development goals within the RRP framework, particularly in terms of digital transformation and innovation in public services, such as the medical-conditions industry and finance, which support the growth of gadgets and technology.
