The Regional Secretary for Health revealed today that the Government of the Azores wants to promote Health Tourism with the aim of "boosting the tourism sector as well as the development of the Regional Health Service."

"We have created all the conditions to ensure that the investment in this area will bring added value to the tourism sector and support the development of the Regional Health Service in terms of innovation, specialisation of health professionals and financial gains," said Luís Cabral. The government official spoke after delivering a speech on Health Tourism at the invitation of Ponta Delgada Rotary Club.

According to Luís Cabral, Health Tourism "annually generates billions of dollars in financial flows between the USA and some countries such as China, India and Central American countries."

"Given that the Azores are closer to the USA with regard to their geographical location and maintain a social and cultural relation with that country, it does not make sense to neglect the promotion of this market in the Region," said the Regional Secretary. In this context, the government official highlighted the potentialities of the diaspora market, which still has a great emotional attachment to the Azores; "it may also contribute to the efficient operation of the Regional Health Service, not only for those who visit the Region, but also for the local population."

Luís Cabral recalled that the Regional Government has undertaken an investment effort in the infrastructures of health facilities in the Region, especially in the construction and remodelling of hospitals.

In this regard, the government official stressed that the Ponta Delgada Hospital "is prepared to provide several services in the area of Health Tourism. However, we have to ensure that the operation of this health unit and its services meet the needs of the sector."

"Our professionals are well prepared and have a good response capacity in this area," the Regional Secretary added, stressing that the "Health Tourism will bring added value to the tourism sector in general, thus contributing to its sustainability."

The Regional Secretary for Health also stated that the Health Tourism system will be developed in parallel to the public health system, "with the allocation of additional funding to this area." This will assure the maintenance of Health Tourism if there is a good response capacity in the public system."

"The granting of additional funds to this type of tourism will guarantee the quality of the services rendered, which, in turn, will benefit the Azorean people and the Region as well," said Luís Cabral.