Workers from the state of Rio de Janeiro received, on Monday (04/09), an exclusive space to receive diseases associated with occupational activity, such as repetitive strain injuries (RSI), mental health problems, tendonitis, among others. The State Reference Center for Occupational Health (CEREST) was inaugurated by the Secretary of State for Health, Dr. Luisinho, in central Rio, and ensures referral to health care for workers in the public and private sectors, the self-employed, informal workers and unemployed professionals.
The unit will operate from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Rua Silva Jardim No. 31, and includes two offices and a meeting, coordination and administration room. The service will be provided by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a doctor, dentist, psychologist, social worker, nurse and occupational safety technician. After assistance, the patient will be organized by the CER and will leave CEREST with a date, time and place for treatment in primary care.
“This delivery represents a great mission to build a public policy in favor of the health of workers. We efficiently look after our employees, especially in UPAs and hospitals, through the constitutional integration of entities. This equipment represents an exceptional advance in favor of the physical and psychological health of every worker,” Dr. Luisinho explained.
Undersecretary of Surveillance and Primary Health Care /SES-RJ, Claudia Melo, emphasized that the opening of CEREST realigns labor policy in favor of workers in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Claudia Melo announced that “unity will allow the return of dialogue with the entities, and strengthen governance and guidance for workers.”
The director of the state’s Occupational Health Division, Pablo de Mello, confirms that the state’s occupational health reference center has a specialized team to receive workers.
“The goal of the unit is to refer professionals suffering from work-related illnesses or injuries to treatment. Here, he will be evaluated by our multidisciplinary team and an appointment will be scheduled for care in the primary care network to carry out his treatment,” Pablo de Mello explained.
Lucien Aguiar, General Coordinator of Occupational Health Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, also participated in the ceremony. Rosemary Mendez, superintendent of the state Department of Health Surveillance; and the state’s primary health care superintendent, Halen Armada, among others.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.