Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Graciosa conta com mais uma médica no quadro reforçando os cuidados de saúde na ilha
Graciosa conta com mais uma médica no quadro reforçando os cuidados de saúde na ilha
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
"Return Home" measure with over 4,000 approved applications
"Return Home" measure with over 4,000 approved applications
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Tender for chartering vessel to supply Flores has been deserted; Government to immediately launch new procedure
Tender for chartering vessel to supply Flores has been deserted; Government to immediately launch new procedure
Nota de Imprensa
June 22, 2026 Graciosa conta com mais uma médica no quadro reforçando os cuidados de saúde na ilha A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, assinala o reforço da equipa clínica da Unidade de Saúde da Ilha Graciosa (USIG) com a integração de mais uma médica de Medicina Geral e Familiar, um passo que permite assegurar resposta a todos os utentes que pretendam ter médico de família atribuído. Com esta contratação, a USIG passa a dispor da capacidade necessária para garantir médico de família à totalidade dos utentes que pretendam beneficiar dessa resposta. A diferença residual entre a população inscrita e os utentes com médico de família atribuído decorre exclusivamente de opções individuais de alguns cidadãos, que mantêm, ainda assim, pleno acesso aos cuidados de saúde, podendo recorrer à USIG e solicitar consulta sempre que necessário. A par do reforço do quadro clínico, encontram-se em curso importantes investimentos na modernização e qualificação da USIG. Neste âmbito, encontra-se já instalado o novo equipamento de Tomografia Axial Computorizada (TAC), financiado ao abrigo do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), num investimento de cerca de 360 mil euros. O equipamento aguarda agora a conclusão da formação dos profissionais responsáveis pela sua operação, etapa necessária para a sua entrada em funcionamento e para o reforço da capacidade de diagnóstico disponível na ilha. Também ao nível das infraestruturas, foi publicado na passada sexta-feira, na plataforma AcinGov, o concurso público para a reparação do sistema de ar condicionado da USIG, num investimento estimado em cerca de 162 mil euros. Esta intervenção permitirá melhorar significativamente as condições de conforto, segurança e funcionamento daquela unidade de saúde, beneficiando utentes e profissionais. Para a Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, estes avanços demonstram o trabalho consistente que tem vindo a ser desenvolvido para reforçar a resposta do Serviço Regional de Saúde na Graciosa. “A entrada desta nova médica de Medicina Geral e Familiar permite assegurar resposta a todos os utentes que pretendam ter médico de família atribuído, constituindo um marco muito relevante para a ilha. Simultaneamente, estamos a concretizar investimentos estruturantes, quer ao nível dos equipamentos, quer das infraestruturas, reforçando a capacidade de resposta da Unidade de Saúde da Ilha Graciosa e melhorando as condições de atendimento à população”, conclui Mónica Seidi.
June 22, 2026 Graciosa conta com mais uma médica no quadro reforçando os cuidados de saúde na ilha A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, assinala o reforço da equipa clínica da Unidade de Saúde da Ilha Graciosa (USIG) com a integração de mais uma médica de Medicina Geral e Familiar, um passo que permite assegurar resposta a todos os utentes que pretendam ter médico de família atribuído. Com esta contratação, a USIG passa a dispor da capacidade necessária para garantir médico de família à totalidade dos utentes que pretendam beneficiar dessa resposta. A diferença residual entre a população inscrita e os utentes com médico de família atribuído decorre exclusivamente de opções individuais de alguns cidadãos, que mantêm, ainda assim, pleno acesso aos cuidados de saúde, podendo recorrer à USIG e solicitar consulta sempre que necessário. A par do reforço do quadro clínico, encontram-se em curso importantes investimentos na modernização e qualificação da USIG. Neste âmbito, encontra-se já instalado o novo equipamento de Tomografia Axial Computorizada (TAC), financiado ao abrigo do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), num investimento de cerca de 360 mil euros. O equipamento aguarda agora a conclusão da formação dos profissionais responsáveis pela sua operação, etapa necessária para a sua entrada em funcionamento e para o reforço da capacidade de diagnóstico disponível na ilha. Também ao nível das infraestruturas, foi publicado na passada sexta-feira, na plataforma AcinGov, o concurso público para a reparação do sistema de ar condicionado da USIG, num investimento estimado em cerca de 162 mil euros. Esta intervenção permitirá melhorar significativamente as condições de conforto, segurança e funcionamento daquela unidade de saúde, beneficiando utentes e profissionais. Para a Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, estes avanços demonstram o trabalho consistente que tem vindo a ser desenvolvido para reforçar a resposta do Serviço Regional de Saúde na Graciosa. “A entrada desta nova médica de Medicina Geral e Familiar permite assegurar resposta a todos os utentes que pretendam ter médico de família atribuído, constituindo um marco muito relevante para a ilha. Simultaneamente, estamos a concretizar investimentos estruturantes, quer ao nível dos equipamentos, quer das infraestruturas, reforçando a capacidade de resposta da Unidade de Saúde da Ilha Graciosa e melhorando as condições de atendimento à população”, conclui Mónica Seidi.
Nota de Imprensa
June 22, 2026 Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya The Regional Government attended the 11th “Our Ocean” conference, held between June 16 and 18 June in Mombasa, Kenya. The Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, and the Coordinator of the Blue Azores Programme, Bernardo Brito e Abreu, were part of the national delegation. Their presence reflects the importance and leading role of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the efforts undertaken within the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) to promote the protection and governance of oceans. At the conference’s first plenary session, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, who led the national delegation, stated: “Earlier this year, Portugal achieved 19% coverage of marine protected areas due to the outstanding work carried out by the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which is responsible for classifying the largest marine park in the North Atlantic. This is not an announcement; it has already been done.” “The creation of our network of marine protected areas, with its size and protection levels, positions the Azores as leaders in the protection and sustainable use of the ocean. What is being done in the Region, based on science, community participation and the co-creation of solutions, demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile conservation and sustainable development. It is an example for other regions of the world,” stated Rui Martins, who also heads the new Azores Marine Park. During a plenary session, the Azores announced the completion of the RAMPA initiative, as declared in 2024 by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the 9th edition of this conference held in Athens. The Region also reiterated its commitment to fully implementing and effectively managing its network of marine protected areas by 2028. The international conference focused on six areas of action: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, the Blue Economy, Climate Action and Maritime Safety. Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the conference brought together governments, intergovernmental organisations, universities, the private sector and non-governmental organisations that share a common vision to protect the oceans and are committed to making this a reality. In addition to Regional Government members, the national delegation included representatives from the Oceano Azul Foundation and partners of the Blue Azores programme, which aims to protect, promote and enhance the natural capital of the Azores’ sea. The event provided an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to discuss and identify the challenges facing the oceans. Furthermore, it demonstrated leadership in conservation by undertaking political, scientific, financial, partnership and collaborative commitments that will set us on the path towards a sustainable future.
June 22, 2026 Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya The Regional Government attended the 11th “Our Ocean” conference, held between June 16 and 18 June in Mombasa, Kenya. The Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, and the Coordinator of the Blue Azores Programme, Bernardo Brito e Abreu, were part of the national delegation. Their presence reflects the importance and leading role of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the efforts undertaken within the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) to promote the protection and governance of oceans. At the conference’s first plenary session, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, who led the national delegation, stated: “Earlier this year, Portugal achieved 19% coverage of marine protected areas due to the outstanding work carried out by the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which is responsible for classifying the largest marine park in the North Atlantic. This is not an announcement; it has already been done.” “The creation of our network of marine protected areas, with its size and protection levels, positions the Azores as leaders in the protection and sustainable use of the ocean. What is being done in the Region, based on science, community participation and the co-creation of solutions, demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile conservation and sustainable development. It is an example for other regions of the world,” stated Rui Martins, who also heads the new Azores Marine Park. During a plenary session, the Azores announced the completion of the RAMPA initiative, as declared in 2024 by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the 9th edition of this conference held in Athens. The Region also reiterated its commitment to fully implementing and effectively managing its network of marine protected areas by 2028. The international conference focused on six areas of action: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, the Blue Economy, Climate Action and Maritime Safety. Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the conference brought together governments, intergovernmental organisations, universities, the private sector and non-governmental organisations that share a common vision to protect the oceans and are committed to making this a reality. In addition to Regional Government members, the national delegation included representatives from the Oceano Azul Foundation and partners of the Blue Azores programme, which aims to protect, promote and enhance the natural capital of the Azores’ sea. The event provided an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to discuss and identify the challenges facing the oceans. Furthermore, it demonstrated leadership in conservation by undertaking political, scientific, financial, partnership and collaborative commitments that will set us on the path towards a sustainable future.
Nota de Imprensa
June 22, 2026 "Return Home" measure with over 4,000 approved applications More than 4,000 young Azorean students who have left their home island to attend an educational institution have already had their applications approved under the “Return Home” measure, as part of the “Youth+” package. More than 97% of the young students whose applications were approved for this unprecedented measure in the Azores, launched by the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, have already received their grant payments, corresponding to an investment of over €350,000. “This measure is one of the clearest examples of what we want for Azorean youth: removing obstacles, creating opportunities and strengthening our young people’s connection to their islands and to our Region,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. Maria João Carreiro also emphasised that this measure, in addition to reducing the financial burden on families, helps ensure that “distance does not become a factor driving young people away from their islands” and their communities. Under the “Return Home” measure, displaced young students living can benefit from two round-trip flights per academic year between their home island and the location of the educational establishment where they are enrolled. Travel by young people from an island other than their place of residence to their educational establishment is eligible for support where direct flights are unavailable or when one of their parents resides on that island. Support for each trip, up to a maximum of €99, includes expenses for purchasing hold luggage and penalties for changing travel dates, when not included in the ticket. Young students aged 26 or under, who are tax residents in the Azores and are attending level 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 courses within the National Qualifications Framework at a school establishment outside their island of residence, including another island in the Azores, Mainland Portugal or Madeira, are eligible for this measure. The mobility grant is awarded per academic year for trips taking place between September 1 and July 31. Applications must be submitted on the Youth Portal, at juventude.azores.gov.pt, from September 1 to August 15, according to the relevant regulations, which are also available for consultation on the Youth Portal. The "Return Home – Support for the Mobility of Displaced Young Students" measure is part of the "+ Youth" package, which includes, among others, the "Salary Promotion Measure."
June 22, 2026 "Return Home" measure with over 4,000 approved applications More than 4,000 young Azorean students who have left their home island to attend an educational institution have already had their applications approved under the “Return Home” measure, as part of the “Youth+” package. More than 97% of the young students whose applications were approved for this unprecedented measure in the Azores, launched by the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, have already received their grant payments, corresponding to an investment of over €350,000. “This measure is one of the clearest examples of what we want for Azorean youth: removing obstacles, creating opportunities and strengthening our young people’s connection to their islands and to our Region,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. Maria João Carreiro also emphasised that this measure, in addition to reducing the financial burden on families, helps ensure that “distance does not become a factor driving young people away from their islands” and their communities. Under the “Return Home” measure, displaced young students living can benefit from two round-trip flights per academic year between their home island and the location of the educational establishment where they are enrolled. Travel by young people from an island other than their place of residence to their educational establishment is eligible for support where direct flights are unavailable or when one of their parents resides on that island. Support for each trip, up to a maximum of €99, includes expenses for purchasing hold luggage and penalties for changing travel dates, when not included in the ticket. Young students aged 26 or under, who are tax residents in the Azores and are attending level 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 courses within the National Qualifications Framework at a school establishment outside their island of residence, including another island in the Azores, Mainland Portugal or Madeira, are eligible for this measure. The mobility grant is awarded per academic year for trips taking place between September 1 and July 31. Applications must be submitted on the Youth Portal, at juventude.azores.gov.pt, from September 1 to August 15, according to the relevant regulations, which are also available for consultation on the Youth Portal. The "Return Home – Support for the Mobility of Displaced Young Students" measure is part of the "+ Youth" package, which includes, among others, the "Salary Promotion Measure."
Nota de Imprensa
June 19, 2026 Tender for chartering vessel to supply Flores has been deserted; Government to immediately launch new procedure The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures has announced that the international public tender, with a base price of €5.9 million, for the chartering of a vessel to ensure regular supplies to the island of Flores, was unsuccessful. The deadline for submitting proposals expired on June 18, with no proposals having been received. In light of this situation, the Regional Government will proceed with determination and urgency by immediately launching a new tender procedure and introducing adjustments to enhance its competitiveness and appeal to market operators. The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, pointed out that “ensuring a regular supply to Flores is a priority for the Azorean Government, representing a direct commitment to the local population, the local economy and the territorial cohesion of the Region.” This measure falls within a broader and consistent strategy pursued by the Regional Government to ensure resilient logistics chains, particularly on the Western Group islands, where geographical and infrastructural constraints necessitate permanent and reliable solutions. It is important to recall that the severe impacts of Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019, and subsequently of Depression Efrain, significantly compromised the operational capacity of the Lajes das Flores Port, disrupting the frequency of maritime supplies and posing additional challenges to the local economy and the daily lives of the population. It was in this challenging context that the Regional Government, through the Regional Cohesion and Economic Development Fund and following a Government Council resolution, launched this tender, with a view to ensuring an effective and continuous solution for the transport of essential goods. According to Berta Cabral, “this service must continue to be provided as a top priority whilst the renovation and upgrading of the port infrastructure in Lajes das Flores are underway, seeing that it ensures equitable access to essential goods and the full integration of the Western Group islands into the regional economy.”
June 19, 2026 Tender for chartering vessel to supply Flores has been deserted; Government to immediately launch new procedure The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures has announced that the international public tender, with a base price of €5.9 million, for the chartering of a vessel to ensure regular supplies to the island of Flores, was unsuccessful. The deadline for submitting proposals expired on June 18, with no proposals having been received. In light of this situation, the Regional Government will proceed with determination and urgency by immediately launching a new tender procedure and introducing adjustments to enhance its competitiveness and appeal to market operators. The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, pointed out that “ensuring a regular supply to Flores is a priority for the Azorean Government, representing a direct commitment to the local population, the local economy and the territorial cohesion of the Region.” This measure falls within a broader and consistent strategy pursued by the Regional Government to ensure resilient logistics chains, particularly on the Western Group islands, where geographical and infrastructural constraints necessitate permanent and reliable solutions. It is important to recall that the severe impacts of Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019, and subsequently of Depression Efrain, significantly compromised the operational capacity of the Lajes das Flores Port, disrupting the frequency of maritime supplies and posing additional challenges to the local economy and the daily lives of the population. It was in this challenging context that the Regional Government, through the Regional Cohesion and Economic Development Fund and following a Government Council resolution, launched this tender, with a view to ensuring an effective and continuous solution for the transport of essential goods. According to Berta Cabral, “this service must continue to be provided as a top priority whilst the renovation and upgrading of the port infrastructure in Lajes das Flores are underway, seeing that it ensures equitable access to essential goods and the full integration of the Western Group islands into the regional economy.”
Nota de Imprensa
June 19, 2026 Berta Cabral highlights growth of Mutualista Açoriana fleet in bolstering new maritime transport model in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, welcomed today the expansion of Mutualista Açoreana’s fleet, noting that this investment “adds strength and credibility to the structural reform initiated by the Government of the Azores in 2025 for the maritime freight transport sector.” She highlighted that this reform has already produced tangible results on the ground, notably with the introduction of weekly services to the islands of Graciosa and Santa Maria, bringing an end to the previous model under which supplies were delivered fortnightly. In this regard, Berta Cabral also praised the launch of a new “Weekly Express” service by Mutualista Açoreana, as provided for in the new transport model, emphasising that the entry into service of the vessel “Açor B” represents “a decisive step towards enhancing the frequency, predictability and quality of supplies to the islands.” “It is particularly significant that Mutualista Açoreana, through this fleet expansion, is moving forward with the new phase set out in the study on the new model for maritime freight transport in the Region. It is actively contributing to improving the response to the needs of businesses and the local population,” she said. Recalling the work carried out by the Government with shipowners to increase the installed capacity for freight transport, Berta Cabral reiterated that the new vessel is an essential component in ensuring a more efficient and resilient system, capable of meeting growing demand. It should be noted that the new maritime transport model adopted is a mixed model, comprising weekly supplies to the islands of Santa Maria and Graciosa (which previously received fortnightly supplies), express service vessels between Lisbon and Leixões to Praia da Vitória and Ponta Delgada, as well as direct call vessels and smaller inter-island vessels. The Regional Secretary also emphasised that the next step in this reform concerns the transformation of port operations to fully integrate them into the new regional logistics framework. “We are bringing about a true paradigm shift in the Azores’ maritime and port sector, based on an integrated vision that links ships, ports and logistics chains, with clear benefits for the regional economy,” he said. Berta Cabral pointed out that the reform of port operations goes far beyond one-off adjustments, representing a far-reaching reorganisation of how regional ports operate, with specific and measurable goals: improving the frequency and predictability of operations; increasing logistical efficiency and reducing response times; and reducing indirect costs arising from the system’s instability. “Essentially, we want ports to cease once and for all from being a passive factor and to establish themselves as a genuine driving force for competitiveness, economic development and territorial cohesion,” she concluded.
June 19, 2026 Berta Cabral highlights growth of Mutualista Açoriana fleet in bolstering new maritime transport model in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, welcomed today the expansion of Mutualista Açoreana’s fleet, noting that this investment “adds strength and credibility to the structural reform initiated by the Government of the Azores in 2025 for the maritime freight transport sector.” She highlighted that this reform has already produced tangible results on the ground, notably with the introduction of weekly services to the islands of Graciosa and Santa Maria, bringing an end to the previous model under which supplies were delivered fortnightly. In this regard, Berta Cabral also praised the launch of a new “Weekly Express” service by Mutualista Açoreana, as provided for in the new transport model, emphasising that the entry into service of the vessel “Açor B” represents “a decisive step towards enhancing the frequency, predictability and quality of supplies to the islands.” “It is particularly significant that Mutualista Açoreana, through this fleet expansion, is moving forward with the new phase set out in the study on the new model for maritime freight transport in the Region. It is actively contributing to improving the response to the needs of businesses and the local population,” she said. Recalling the work carried out by the Government with shipowners to increase the installed capacity for freight transport, Berta Cabral reiterated that the new vessel is an essential component in ensuring a more efficient and resilient system, capable of meeting growing demand. It should be noted that the new maritime transport model adopted is a mixed model, comprising weekly supplies to the islands of Santa Maria and Graciosa (which previously received fortnightly supplies), express service vessels between Lisbon and Leixões to Praia da Vitória and Ponta Delgada, as well as direct call vessels and smaller inter-island vessels. The Regional Secretary also emphasised that the next step in this reform concerns the transformation of port operations to fully integrate them into the new regional logistics framework. “We are bringing about a true paradigm shift in the Azores’ maritime and port sector, based on an integrated vision that links ships, ports and logistics chains, with clear benefits for the regional economy,” he said. Berta Cabral pointed out that the reform of port operations goes far beyond one-off adjustments, representing a far-reaching reorganisation of how regional ports operate, with specific and measurable goals: improving the frequency and predictability of operations; increasing logistical efficiency and reducing response times; and reducing indirect costs arising from the system’s instability. “Essentially, we want ports to cease once and for all from being a passive factor and to establish themselves as a genuine driving force for competitiveness, economic development and territorial cohesion,” she concluded.
