The President of the Government highlighted today the commitment to strengthen the human resources of the Regional Health Service (SRS), pointing out, as example, the hiring of 30 general practitioners since 2015 to improve the access of Azoreans to health care.
 
"Between 2015 and the beginning of this year, the Regional Health Service admitted another 30 general practitioners to meet this need and, above all, to demonstrate the importance of continuing this work," said Vasco Cordeiro. He spoke at the opening of the remodelling works of Maia Health Unit in the municipality of Ribeira Grande.
 
On the second day of the Government's visit to São Miguel, Vasco Cordeiro also mentioned the Government's expectations to take a significant step towards covering the entire population by general practitioners with the additional reinforcement of 43 general practice interns."
 
"This effort is being undertaken, often in a discreet manner, so that the Azorean people may have increasingly better access to health care," assured the President of the Government.
 
In his speech, Vasco Cordeiro also pointed out that the municipality of Ribeira Grande is a good example in terms of effects and results of this investment in human resources, as this municipality will be fully covered by general practitioners by the end of the year.
 
The President of the Government also highlighted the increase in the Regional Health Service productivity, pointing out that the number of medical consultations in all specialties surpassed 800 thousand in 2017.
 
"This is a silent work carried out by all those who make up the Regional Health Service and this productivity is the result of their work and dedication.
 
Regarding the remodelling of Maia Health Unit, the President of the Government stressed that this investment ensures better access conditions for more than 3,300 people, not only from Maia but also from São Brás, Porto Formoso and Lombinha da Maia.
 
Moreover, Vasco Cordeiro praised the collaboration of the Village Council of Maia in the implementation of this investment. This is a good example of a partnership between the Regional Power and Local Power, with results for the benefit of the people.
 
The Maia Health Unit is one of more than 100 health units spread throughout the Region that complement and help establishing a cohesive health system.
 
On the island of São Miguel, the health units of Feteiras, Arrifes, Água de Pau, Furnas, Rabo de Peixe, Fajã de Cima and the Ribeira Grande Health Centre have already been improved and refurbished during this legislative period. In turn, the Candelária Health Unit is expected to be open soon.
 
In the last two years, the São Miguel Health Unit invested two million Euros in the improvement of facilities and the upgrading of equipment.