The Regional Secretary for Health announced the extension of the National Plan for Prevention Depression to the Azores in collaboration with the Portuguese Psychologists' Association.
 
"It makes sense to establish partnership with the national study of the Portuguese Psychologists' Association and, as such, we will establish a protocol to be implemented from October," added Rui Luís. He spoke in Ponta Delgada on the sidelines of the lecture on Programme for Prevention and Combat to Depression, promoted by the Regional Directorate for Health to mark the World Health Day.
 
Speaking at the opening of the seminar "Let's Talk About Depression, which takes place in Ponta Delgada and Horta, Rui Luís said it is urgent "to raise the awareness of decision-makers, health professionals and associations for the need to develop strategies towards the organisation of actions aimed at the population."
 
For the Regional Secretary, it is important to overcome the stigma surrounding the disease and awaken citizens to "use services when they identify signs," defending the need to prioritise a positive mental health model, rather than a model focused on the disease.
 
Asked by journalists about the lack of general practitioners, Rui Luís stressed that the Government will present this month a proposal on incentive schemes for doctors to the Portuguese Medical Association and the Doctors' Union.
 
Rui Luís also ensured that his department closely follows the doctors who are concluding their internship.
 
"Yesterday (Thursday), the Regional Director for Health met with these doctors to become acquainted with their concerns and conditions for their establishment," said the government official.
 
The Central Administration of the Health System will launch, within a month, the scores of the doctors who took the final exam; the Regional Secretary for Health expects to launch an application following this stage.