State hospitals surpass 50,000 pediatric visits in the Metropolitan Region of Belém in the first half

In the first six months of 2025, Pará recorded 52,047 visits to pediatric urgent and emergency services in the Metropolitan Region of Belém. The data comes from the State Department of Public Health (Sespa), indicating that the Dr. Abelardo Santos Regional Hospital (HRAS), in the Icoaraci district, and the Pediatric Emergency Care of Dr. Roberto Macedo Emergency Room (PSRM), on Avenida Augusto Montenegro, are reference units for the pediatric population.

The state coordinator of Child Health at Sespa, Ana Cristina Guzzo, emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring of children by the Basic Health Unit (UBS) team. She explains that child health monitoring (systematic health follow-up of children and adolescents) is essential to promote child health and prevent situations and diseases that can lead to hospitalization or emergencies.

During follow-up consultations at the UBS, health professionals assess breastfeeding, the main source of nutrition and protection from the first six months of a child's life – being exclusive and supplemented until the age of 2 or more.

Doctor recommends monitoring of child development

“Monitoring growth allows for early identification of signs of malnutrition, obesity, or an ongoing morbid condition. Child development monitoring ensures that important milestones are being tracked, pointing out possible delays early on. It is also an opportune moment to identify signs of domestic violence and guide parents or caregivers about the greatest risks for each stage of the child, such as falls and accidents, contributing to the protection of boys and girls,” explained coordinator Ana Cristina Guzzo.

Guzzo also highlights that immunization, another pillar of child health monitoring, needs to be strengthened among families, given its historical importance in reducing infant mortality, protecting against serious and potentially fatal diseases. Furthermore, consultations allow for clarifying caregivers' doubts and reinforcing healthy practices.

“This continuous care strengthens the bond between the family and the health team and, by preventing diseases, follow-up reduces the need for emergency visits and hospitalizations. Thus, child health monitoring is a fundamental strategy to ensure the healthy and safe growth of children,” reflects Ana Guzzo.

Specialized services make a difference, says doctor

Despite the importance of maintaining regular follow-up at the Basic Health Unit, emergency situations cannot always be predicted, and it is in these moments that specialized services make a difference.

An example is Maria Clara, 6 years old. She needed urgent care due to the worsening of a respiratory condition. Her mother, Deyse Tavares, 38, took her to HRAS after recommendations from neighbors who had already received good care at the unit. In the first half alone, the pediatric emergency room of the hospital totaled 30,981 visits to children.

“Excellent service. That's how I can define the urgent and emergency service of HRAS. I live in Ananindeua, but I decided to come here because of the hospital's good reputation. It was my first time at the unit, and I was surprised by the available structure. Maria was attended to quickly, received medication, and the doctor requested tests,” reported Deyse.

Lidiane Costa Santos, from the municipality of Abaetetuba, has been accompanying her daughter, Alaynne Santos Maués, for over a month, assisted by the multiprofessional team of PSRM, being treated for severe pneumonia and pleural effusion. The companion praised the service, the professionals, and the physical structure of the health unit. From January to June 2025, the unit performed 21,066 visits.

"I can only thank God and the state emergency room for everything that has been done for my daughter's health. It's the first time we've been here, but thank God, so far, everything has been excellent for us. Doctors, nursing technicians, nurses, and other professionals, all polite and attentive. My daughter is being well cared for, treated, medicated, with affection, and with all the patience. I have nothing to complain about,” she emphasized.

Reference in pediatric emergency - With open doors for pediatric care, the Dr. Abelardo Santos Regional Hospital has modern infrastructure and a specialized team for medium and high complexity cases. The Pediatric Emergency Care of Dr. Roberto Macedo Emergency Room treats patients in acute situations, such as respiratory crises, persistent fevers, and other clinical occurrences.

The strengthening of the state health network has allowed for a more agile and efficient service to the pediatric population, ensuring access to health with welcoming and quality.

Text: Suellen Santos, with the collaboration of the units' advisory teams