“SNS 24 answered, in 2021, more than 4.04 million telephone calls - 4,040,702 - until 7 September. This year is, therefore, the record holder in the number of phone calls answered, surpassing 2020, to date the year with the most calls answered – 4.02 million”, said a statement from SPMS.

According to the same statement, July this year was the third month with most calls answered than ever, with more than 736,000 telephone contacts.

The statement also states that the Psychological Advice Line has also followed up more than 105,000 calls since April 1, 2020, while the video call service platform for deaf citizens has served 3,250 people, since it was made available on the website of the SNS April 24-21, 2020.

“The service is provided by a Portuguese Sign Language interpreter who mediates with the SNS 24 nurse and the service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week”, says the Ministry of Health service.