SAÚDE PERTO creates a technology-driven proximity network for rural healthcare, strengthening prevention and enhancing quality of life.
In the villages of the Serra de Sicó mountain range, people live several kilometers from the nearest health center or hospital. For the elderly or those with mobility difficulties, a medical appointment can mean depending on family members, making long journeys, or simply giving up. Faced with these difficulties, many healthcare needs end up being postponed.
A survey conducted in 2026 by the Universities of Coimbra and Aveiro and the Polytechnic of Leiria revealed a worrying reality: 64.5% of participants stated that they had already missed a consultation or examination due to difficulties in accessing healthcare.
The SAÚDE PERTO network was created to address this reality.
The project aims to create the first point in a local healthcare network in the villages of the Serra de Sicó mountain range. This first space will be installed in Pousadas Vedras and will also serve the residents of Ereiras, Jagardo, and Montes de Vérigo.
At this location, it will be possible to have simple health assessments done close to home, using digital equipment that allows monitoring of basic indicators and identification of situations that may require clinical follow-up.
The operation will also rely on the support of volunteers from the community itself, reinforcing the spirit of mutual help that characterizes these villages.
This first location will serve as a pilot project, allowing us to test the model and pave the way for the creation of new SAÚDE PERTO network locations in other villages in the Serra de Sicó region.
Impact for people with people
The HEALTH NEARBY project aims to improve access to basic health assessments in villages, allowing for more regular monitoring of rural populations.
By bringing these healthcare services closer to communities, the project helps to strengthen prevention, reduce health isolation, and increase the sense of security for people living in rural areas.
The pilot project will allow testing the model and preparing for its future expansion to other villages in the Serra de Sicó region.
The SAÚDE PERTO network is promoted by the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, a public higher education institution linked to innovation, applied research and community development.
The initiative arose from direct contact with the reality of the villages in the Serra de Sicó region. A study conducted in 2026 in the villages of Pousadas Vedras and Ereiras confirmed difficulties in accessing healthcare, isolation, and a lack of close support within the communities themselves.
Given this reality, the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria is promoting the development of the HEALTH NEARBY network, with the aim of bringing basic health assessments closer to rural populations through local technological solutions.
The project is developed by a multidisciplinary team from the fields of health, engineering, technology and social intervention, who participate on a voluntary basis, reflecting a strong commitment to social innovation and improving the quality of life in rural communities.
The implementation of the first point in the SAÚDE PERTO network will be carried out in phases over approximately 18 months. This process allows for the creation of a solid solution adapted to the needs of the community, ensuring that the space functions safely, accessibly, and usefully to improve the quality of life of people living in the villages.
Total project budget: €87,000
Phase 1 – Preparation and infrastructure (0–6 months)
Estimated budget for phase 1: €14,000
Adapting the physical space to ensure accessibility, privacy, and comfort.
Dedicated electrical installation and internal technical network.
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system to prevent abrupt system failures.
Autonomous energy production system with generator
Redundant communications system, including 4G/5G mobile and satellite links.
Phase 2 – Installation of the first point of the SAÚDE PERTO network and community activation (6–12 months)
Estimated budget for phase 2: €54,000
Certified biomedical equipment
Clinically validated blood pressure monitor.
Electrocardiogram
Professional oximeter for measuring oxygen saturation.
Integrated medical scale for body weight assessment.
Glucometer with starter kit of consumables
Camera for visual assessment and remote clinical support.
Clinical microphone for interaction and collection of vocal information.
Technological and computational infrastructure
Industrial touch terminal for user interface.
Computer with local processing capabilities (edge computing) and encrypted storage.
Digital platform and clinical intelligence
Digital cabin application with a simplified user interface.
System for the automatic integration of biomedical devices
Structured clinical data management platform
Clinical rules engine and risk scoring system
Explainable artificial intelligence module for interpreting results.
Secure cloud platform for storing, analyzing, and longitudinally monitoring data.
Phase 3 – Pilot Operation and Scientific Evaluation (12–18 months)
Phase 3 investment: €15,000
Regular monitoring of the user population.
Analysis of clinical data and identification of risk patterns.
Scientific evaluation conducted by the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.
Technical and operational adjustments based on the results obtained.
Ana Silva, enfermeira nascida na serra de Sicó, onde aprendeu o verdadeiro significado de cuidar. Especialista em Saúde Comunitária e Mestre em Cuidados Paliativos, com experiência em projetos, formação e comunicação em saúde. Gosta de escrever poesia.
Ana Silva, enfermeira nascida na serra de Sicó, onde aprendeu o verdadeiro significado de cuidar. Especialista em Saúde Comunitária e Mestre em Cuidados Paliativos, com experiência em projetos, formação e comunicação em saúde. Gosta de escrever poesia.
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