The Regional Inspectorate for Health (IRES) closed yesterday a private healthcare facility in Angra do Heroísmo for not being properly licensed. This action is part of a series monitoring actions developed with the support of the Regional Public Health Coordinator.

The Regional Inspector for Health assured that these actions will be carried out throughout the archipelago whenever public safety and health are in jeopardy.

The IRES was established in March 2011, being responsible for the monitoring and auditing of the operation of all health care providers, whether individuals or legal persons, under the Regional Health Service. 

Any private healthcare unit operating without proper licensing shall be immediately closed and its situation must be regularised.

“In case of doubt, those in charge of private healthcare units may contact the Regional Directorate for Health for further information on the procedures to be adopted,” stated the Regional Public Health Coordinator.  

Regardless of their legal status, private profitable or non-profitable healthcare units operating without being properly licensed are subject to fines ranging from 2,000 to 3,700 Euros, in the case of units owned by individuals, and from 4000 and to 44,800 Euros, in the case of units owned by legal persons, in accordance to the provisions of the regional and national legislations.

Meanwhile, an institutional cooperation protocol between the IRES and the Inspectorate-General of Health Activities has been in force since May 11, 2011 and, in this context, other agreements with regional and national inspection services are currently under consideration.