The Regional Secretary for Health explained today that the figures released on the health debt do not reflect the reality, as they provide amounts that should not be considered as a liability.

Speaking to the media, Miguel Correia explained that if we want to know the sector indebtedness, we cannot include items such as deferred income, provisions or the debts of healthcare units.

According to data provided by the Government to the Court of Auditors to INE and other entities, the debt of the health sector in late 2010 was of 597 million Euros and not 635 million Euros as it was stated.

However, Miguel Correia understand what is important is that there has been a slowdown in debt. In 2009, the debt registered an increase of 16% while in 2010 the growth was only 11%.

Our purpose is to continue to reduce the debt by increasing revenue - which is what we will do in 2012 with a budget of about 22 million Euros - and continuing the effort to contain costs.

"Reducing debt growth to zero in 2012 is one of our main goals," said Miguel Correia.