The hospital and health centres will remain fully operational, but reaching them could prove more complicated. Ahead of the arrival of Pope Leo XIV in San Marino, the Social Security Institute (ISS) is warning citizens about the impact that traffic changes planned for Saturday, 22 August could have on access to healthcare services.
The ISS confirms that its services will remain active and that, alongside normal operations, a special medical safety plan has been set up to accompany the pastoral visit. Working in coordination with the relevant authorities, dedicated medical stations, teams and emergency vehicles will be deployed, following an organisational model similar to that used for the highest-profile institutional events — but in this case further reinforced.
The Institute stresses that this special deployment will not affect the regular services provided to the population.
The main issue is likely to be traffic. The road restrictions introduced for the Pontiff’s passage could make it harder to reach the State Hospital during certain time slots, particularly for those coming from the upper areas or from zones directly affected by the closures.
For this reason, the ISS is urging anyone with appointments, tests or other services already scheduled for Saturday to check their route in advance, along with any alternative itineraries set up by the authorities.
Should the restrictions make it impossible to reach the healthcare facility, the appointment can be rescheduled. However, citizens must promptly contact the relevant service and inform them that they will be unable to attend.
The operating hours of local health centres normally open on Saturday mornings remain unchanged. The Murata Health Centre and those in Borgo Maggiore and Serravalle will be running as usual, alongside other scheduled services.
Special attention should be paid to the Città Pharmacy at via Donna Felicissima 21. On Saturday, 22 August it will remain closed to the public during the morning and reopen at 1pm, continuing service until 7:30pm. Throughout the entire day, however, the 24-hour automatic over-the-counter medicine dispenser will remain available, equipped with remote assistance from a pharmacist.
The ISS therefore recommends planning journeys well in advance, especially for those with medical appointments, and following the official guidance on traffic and security issued ahead of the Pontiff’s arrival.
