The President of the Government said today that "sometimes only those who get health care at health centres and hospitals seem to recognised the work and the financial costs of our Regional Health Service in the archipelago."

As he stressed, "the provision of health care is almost free, which is very important for people and our families; it is important to maintain this asset because health is priceless."

And the maintenance of this system requires the good administration of public finances, as it has happened so far, and the careful management of health units, mentioned Carlos César.

If we accomplish this goal, "we will certainly be able to ensure quality, the access to health care and the proximity support from which the Azorean population benefits. Therefore, the Government should continue to follow the path that has been followed until now," said the government official.

The President of the Government spoke at the opening ceremony of the new Graciosa Health Centre, a project with an estimated budget of seven million Euros that fully designed, built and supervised by regional companies. The new facilities will "improve the service provided and bring a more human dimension in the relationship between health professionals and citizens."

With a total of sixteen beds for in patients, equipped with medical piped gas and suction systems, patients may be observed permanently from a nursing room. The new health unit has more and better equipped consulting rooms to meet the needs of medical specialities and general practice.

Moreover, the facilities also include a room for minor surgeries, more observation beds at the emergency service and a fully equipped sterilisation as well as a larger and better equipped physical therapy gymnasium, radiology services, laboratories and a specific area for the health delegation.

With a staff composed of three doctors, two dentists, a nutritionist, a psychologist, fifteen nurses and ten health technicians that will soon be joined by five operational assistants, the Graciosa Health Centre has provided an important service to the community.

The President of the Regional Government revealed that "last year, the island of Graciosa registered a total of 8352 general practice consultations, 2534 dental consultations, 755 psychology consultation and over one thousand nutrition consultations."

Carlos César revealed that in 2011 fifteen medical specialists have travelled to Graciosa where they have performed early three thousand consultations, which corresponded to over eighty thousand tests, including laboratory tests, ultrasound, X-rays and electrocardiograms.
 
In addition, the health unit has taken part in the cancer screening initiatives that are being implemented by Azores Oncology Centre as well as in the oral health screenings at schools and the screening for diabetic retinopathy.

Opening today another health facility, the President of the Government recalled other investments made in health units such as the new Ponta Delgada Health Centre, whose tender is at the final stage, the Madalena Health Centre, the renewal works of Block C of the Horta Hospital and the expansion works of Santa Maria Health Centre.

"These investments conclude the essential as well as the most expensive works carried out under the construction and renewal works programme of the Regional Health Service, if we take into account the construction of the private business unit of the Azores radiotherapy Centre, which is being supported by the Government," stressed Carlos César.