The President of the Government announced today the completion of the reform on the public funding of Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS), which is based on the motto "to better serve" the users of various services in the Region.

"These amendments were made in accordance with the users of each service available in the Azores and not according to the costs of institutions, thus contributing to the development of a more effective and efficient response," stated Vasco Cordeiro.

Speaking at the ceremony of laying the first stone of the Elderly Home of the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Altares on the island of Terceira, the President of the Government assured that the Government's goal is to better serve citizens by extending the conditions to benefit more people and, simultaneously, render the Government's action more effective and efficient.

The reform provides an increase in the funding of IPSS from 52 million Euros to an amount exceeding 53.5 million Euros.

"In the current context, there is a reason that justifies an increased effort in the funding of IPSS with the establishment of partnerships between the Government and institutions, particularly if we want to achieve our goal of leaving no one behind", stressed Vasco Cordeiro.

In addition, the response capacity of IPSS will be enhanced in several areas, including in the number of beds for the elderly, which is expected to increase to two thousand, stated Vasco Cordeiro. The government official added that the Government intends to introduce a criterion that increasingly recognises the effectiveness of the management and the work developed by these institutions.
 
"It consists in the definition of a transparent and rigorous criterion that stipulates the support to all institutions according to their activity; the support will be allocated per user and in accordance to the type of service rendered," explained the President of the Government.

With this reform, of the 233 IPSS that have signed protocols with the Government, 173 will maintain or reinforce their funding while the support allocated to the remaining 60 institutions will be adjusted.

"The Azores are currently provided with a unique network of social support at a national level, being the result of the commitment of hundreds of institutions as well as of thousand of Azoreans who provide a priceless service on a daily basis to all those who benefit from the results of the partnerships" between institutions and the Government, stressed Vasco Cordeiro.

With regard to the future Elderly Home of "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Altares, the President of the Government said this investment, with an estimated budget over million Euros, falls within in the well-defined political priority of social cohesion, through the support to the Azorean population in the present context.

 "We believe it is our duty, as a public body, to care for and support the elderly, who have greatly contributed to the progress and development of our land," stated the President of the Government.

In this regard, Vasco Cordeiro announced that the Government will move forward with the construction works of the Day and Social Centres and the implementation of the Home Support Service in Porto Judeu on the island of Terceira; the construction of the Elderly Home in Pico da Pedra and the expansion works of the Elderly Home in Maia on the island of São Miguel and the construction of the Day and Night Centres in Urzelina on the island São Jorge.  Furthermore, the Government will implement other projects already planned for this area, including the expansion of the Elderly Home in Piedade on Pico Island and the improvement of the Support Services of the Elderly Home on Corvo Island.