The President of the Government announced the creation of an integrated plan to recover public spaces next year. This project will focus on local companies by developing their potential to boost the economy and create jobs in villages, towns and cities.

"I can announce that next year the government will launch an integrated plan for the recovery of public spaces, designated as ValorUrbe", which will privilege, whenever possible, cooperation with institutions and local authorities, added Vasco Cordeiro. The government official spoke at end of the parliamentary debate on the Regional Plan and Budget for 2014 that took place on Thursday.

The President of the Government also announced the creation of a network of telemetry for the Regional Health Service, an innovative project that consists in the real time monitoring of patients assisted at the basic emergency services of regional health centres.

"With this service, doctors at hospitals will be able to support general practitioners assisting patients at the emergency services of health centres, thus ensuring greater safety in the treatment and referral of patients," explained Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government added that the Government will move forward with the construction of the new Ponta Delgada Health Centre as well as with the works to conclude and equip the Madalena Health Centre, Block C of Horta Hospital and "Solar da Glória"; the latter is rehabilitation centre for drug addicts.

Moreover, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that next year the Regional Government will draw special attention to the Network of Continued and Palliative Care. In this regard, the Government will award 800 thousand Euros to this network.
Also in the Regional Health Service, the President of the Government assured that the issue of surgery waiting lists will be awarded priority status by the Azorean Government next year.

"As President of the Government and as an Azorean citizen, I say we need to solve this problem with the increased effort, work, dedication, commitment and professionalism of all those involved in this process: leaders, administration boards of regional hospitals, heads of medical departments, doctors and nurses. Hence, we will able to provide a better response to Azorean patients waiting for surgery.

In the area of Education, the Government of the Azores will continue the effort to improve the regional school network in 2014. In fact, the Government will move forward with the construction works of Calheta de São Jorge Basic Education and Secondary School in addition to anticipating the procedures for the construction of Rabo de Peixe Basic Education School on the island of São Miguel.

With regard to the University of the Azores, the President of the Government noted that the allocation of 371 thousand Euros to support the University's tripartite structure will be maintained. Additionally, there is a potential support in the amount of one million Euros that corresponds to the fulfilment of an election commitment regarding the signing of a Contract for Employment Creation and Wealth Generation with the University of the Azores.

"Although the granting of this financial aid is dependent on the University's compliance with certain requirements, this is also a way of helping the University to develop its potential in the creation of employment and the generation of wealth.