The Regional Secretary for Health announced in Velas today that the telemedicine system will be implemented on the island of São Jorge by the end of this year.

We are determined to launch a system that will be capable of responding to the needs of the users of São Jorge Island Health Unit," stated Luís Cabral.

Luís Cabral spoke at the end of a working meeting with the Administration Board of São Jorge Island Health Unit in the context of the Regional Government's Statutory Visit to that island. The government official praised the "good efforts" that are being undertaken at the Island Health Unit to address the shortage of General Practitioners.

Questioned on a possible centralisation of services in the municipality of Velas, the Regional Secretary for Health assured that no decision has been taken concerning the organisation of the Regional Health Service (SRS).

"As I have said before, the Regional Government has not decided anything regarding the structure and organisation of health services," stressed the government official.

According to the commitment taken by the President of the Government of the Azores," Luís Cabral reminded that "the restructuring process of the SRS is being prepared." The respective document shall be made public and debated from April onwards.

"We intend to promote a wide discussion with all social partners, political partners and the entire community in order to know the best way of providing a quality service to the population." stressed the government official.

"We also want to make sure that we have a good system, not only in the present but also in 30 years," said the Secretary of Health Regional.