The Regional Secretary for Health assured today in Angra do Heroísmo that the quick recruitment of doctors who are about to complete their internship allows a wider coverage of the population by general practitioners and family health units.
 
"We are providing nearly 7,500 Terceira islanders with the opportunity to be assisted by a general practitioner, not only by hiring another five doctors but also by reorganising family health centres," said Rui Luís. The government official spoke following the signing of contracts by Terceira Island Health Unit and the five new doctors.
 
The Regional Secretary marked this ceremony, symbolically, at Angra do Heroísmo Health Centre with the aim of highlighting the quick process regarding the recruitment of the doctors who have completed their internship in the Region.
 
"The examinations took place in April and the authorisation was granted in May. The procedures were carried out in the remaining months. With the symbolism of a signing ceremony held at Terceira Island Health Unit, we demonstrate what we intend to do," said Rui Luís.
 
Included in the Programme of the Government, this measure aims to extend the coverage of the population with a general practitioner, improve the care provided at family health units and contribute to the maintenance of young doctors.
 
Speaking to journalists, Rui Luís stressed that there are still improvements to be made to the continuing training of doctors who choose to work on the islands without hospital.
 
"We must focus on improving the skills of these doctors so that they may feel more comfortable on the islands without hospital. In this context, we must improve the access to continuing training, in addition to the incentives to their maintenance on these islands," said the government official.
 
Following the recruitment of these five doctors, the Government created the family health units of Doze Ribeiras, Santa Bárbara, Feteira and São Sebastião, and reinforced the centres of Lajes and Vila Nova.
 
The Regional Secretary emphasised that "these doctors, when providing care to families, may develop strategies towards the promotion of healthy living habits."
 
"It is this strategy of proximity, village to village, which will certainly improve the health of the Azorean population," said Rui Luís.