The Regional Secretary for Health said today that the implementation of the new radio network of Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) should be completed in 2016.

Speaking after a hearing at the Committee on General Policy of the Legislative Assembly on the proposed Plan and Budget for 2016, Luís Cabral stressed the includes "the completion of the Civil Protection of the communications network in July" next year, when if you want is already "fully functional".

The Regional Secretary added that the Investment Plan for 2016 shows an increase of funds to enhance the capabilities of SRPCBA with regard to "emergency medical," which is "one of its most important areas."

In addition, the plan also aims to strengthen "the training component, "especially in fires, disasters, search and rescue, so that regional firefighters may better prepared whenever they are called to respond in any of these situations."

The Regional Secretary defended the need to make a "good use of EU funds in the area of risk prevention and disasters, thereby ensuring that regional fire corporations have the necessary and appropriate equipment to provide a response."

The Investment Plan for 2016 also includes the construction and rehabilitation of some fire stations in the Region, including the construction of a fire station in Horta and the rehabilitation of fire stations of Lajes do Pico, Santa Cruz das Flores and Povoação.