The Regional Secretary for Health stated on Pico that the project for the expansion of the haemodialysis unit of Horta Hospital of Horta to Madalena Health Centre will be completed by the end of the year.
 
"The contract work amounting to 140 thousand Euros to make the adjustments to the building has already been awarded, with a completion period of three months. The tender for the acquisition of consumables and dialysis equipment is awaiting prior approval of the Court of Auditors," said Rui Luís.
 
The service will enter into operation after the conclusion of the validation process of the water ring and the stabilisation of water for dialysis, which is extended for a period of six months, as provided in the respective manual of good practices.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke on the sidelines of a meeting with the Administration Board of Pico Island Health Unit during the Government's statutory visit to this island, highlighting the benefits of this investment.
 
"The major advantage of this service to be in operation on the island of Pico is that patients will no longer have to go to Horta Hospital. It is this comfort that we give to these families, to have the service near their home, " said the government official.
 
Currently, there are nine Pico patients undergoing hemodialysis at Horta Hospital, four of whom have transferred their residence to the island of Faial. This situation represents additional costs of 6,200 Euros per month.
 
The hemodialysis service was one of the main topics under analysis at the second meeting that Rui Luís had today with the Administration Board of Pico Island Health Unit.