Comunicado do Conselho do Governo
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro opens Madalena ring road and reiterates commitment to implementing RRP
José Manuel Bolieiro opens Madalena ring road and reiterates commitment to implementing RRP
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Azores Skills – Regional Skills Championship takes place from November 2 to 6 in Ponta Delgada
Azores Skills – Regional Skills Championship takes place from November 2 to 6 in Ponta Delgada
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government guarantees continuity of public transport services on São Miguel Island
Regional Government guarantees continuity of public transport services on São Miguel Island
Comunicado
March 30, 2026 Comunicado do Conselho do Governo O Conselho do Governo, reunido no dia 30 de março de 2026, em Ponta Delgada, decidiu adotar as seguintes medidas: 1. Aprovar a Resolução que autoriza a despesa e toma a decisão em contratar, mediante concurso público com publicidade no Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, a empreitada de conceção-construção da ampliação e requalificação da Escola Secundária Antero de Quental, Ponta Delgada, com preço base de 7.000.000,00 €, acrescido de IVA à taxa legal em vigor, e um prazo de execução de 540 dias. A resolução autoriza a contratação da empreitada de conceção-construção da ampliação e requalificação da Escola Secundária Antero de Quental, Ponta Delgada, mediante concurso com publicidade no Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, com o preço base 7.000.000,00 € e um prazo de execução previsto de 540 dias. É delegada na Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas a competência para aprovar as peças do procedimento em apreço, designar o júri, e o gestor do contrato, mandar publicar os anúncios de abertura de procedimento, prestar esclarecimentos, proceder à retificação de peças do procedimento, à audiência prévia dos concorrentes, adjudicar, aprovar a minuta do contrato a celebrar e outorgar o mesmo, em nome e representação da Região Autónoma dos Açores, bem como para praticar todos os demais atos que, nos termos da lei e do procedimento adotado, sejam cometidos ao órgão competente para a decisão de contratar e ao contraente público. 2. Aprovar a Resolução que aprova o I Plano Regional para a Inclusão da Pessoa em Situação de Sem Abrigo (PRIPSSA 2026-2030). 3. Aprovar a Resolução que autoriza a celebração de um contrato-programa, para vigorar no ano de 2026, entre a Região Autónoma dos Açores e o IROA, S.A, que visa regular a cooperação entre as partes na execução do previsto no Plano Regional Anual para 2026, com um impacto financeiro máximo de 4.040.000,00 €. 4. Aprovar a terceira alteração ao Decreto Regulamentar Regional n.º 23/2022/A, de 15 de novembro, que regulamenta a ação “Regimes de apoio à inovação de produtos e processos de produção e organização, à transição e à transição digital, destinados à reestruturação de empresas regionais do setor de transformação e comercialização de produtos agrícolas”, da medida “Apoios diretos à recuperação e resiliência das empresas”, do investimento “Relançamento Económico da Agricultura Açoriana”, do PRR-Açores. 5. Aprovar a abertura do procedimento de formação do contrato de empreitada de obras públicas, mediante a realização de concurso público, com publicação no Jornal Oficial da Região Autónoma dos Açores, com vista à execução da empreitada de “Construção da estação de tratamento de águas residuais do novo Matadouro de São Jorge”, com o preço base estimado de 705.000,00 €, valor ao qual acresce o IVA à taxa legal em vigor, e com o prazo de execução previsto de 5 meses. 6. Aprovar a Resolução que autoriza os apoios financeiros a conceder, no âmbito do regime jurídico-financeiro de apoio à emergência climática, às situações de perdas e danos patrimoniais decorrentes do fenómeno meteorológico extremo ocorrido na freguesia de Água de Pau, concelho da Lagoa, ilha de São Miguel. Nessa medida, foram aprovadas treze candidatura, no montante global de 69.027,71 €. Os apoios financeiros concedidos visam dar resposta às situações de perdas e danos patrimoniais que resultaram das condições meteorológicas adversas, de cariz anormal e imprevisível, do evento extremo mencionado. 7. Aprovar a abertura de um procedimento de contratação pública, nos termos do Regime Jurídico dos Contratos Públicos na Região Autónoma dos Açores e do Código dos Contratos Públicos, para formação de quatro contratos de concessão de instalação e exploração de máquinas de venda automática no Centro de Visitantes da Gruta das Torres, ilha do Pico, no Centro de Visitantes da Furna do Enxofre, ilha Graciosa, no Centro de Interpretação da Serra de Santa Bárbara, ilha Terceira e no Centro de Interpretação Ambiental das Furnas, ilha de São Miguel, pelo prazo de execução, para cada contrato, de três anos. 8. Aprovar a Resolução que reforça o montante da comparticipação financeira atribuída à SATA Air Açores para a operação de 2025 do Cartão Interjovem, no montante de 3.434,68 €.
March 30, 2026 Comunicado do Conselho do Governo O Conselho do Governo, reunido no dia 30 de março de 2026, em Ponta Delgada, decidiu adotar as seguintes medidas: 1. Aprovar a Resolução que autoriza a despesa e toma a decisão em contratar, mediante concurso público com publicidade no Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, a empreitada de conceção-construção da ampliação e requalificação da Escola Secundária Antero de Quental, Ponta Delgada, com preço base de 7.000.000,00 €, acrescido de IVA à taxa legal em vigor, e um prazo de execução de 540 dias. A resolução autoriza a contratação da empreitada de conceção-construção da ampliação e requalificação da Escola Secundária Antero de Quental, Ponta Delgada, mediante concurso com publicidade no Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, com o preço base 7.000.000,00 € e um prazo de execução previsto de 540 dias. É delegada na Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas a competência para aprovar as peças do procedimento em apreço, designar o júri, e o gestor do contrato, mandar publicar os anúncios de abertura de procedimento, prestar esclarecimentos, proceder à retificação de peças do procedimento, à audiência prévia dos concorrentes, adjudicar, aprovar a minuta do contrato a celebrar e outorgar o mesmo, em nome e representação da Região Autónoma dos Açores, bem como para praticar todos os demais atos que, nos termos da lei e do procedimento adotado, sejam cometidos ao órgão competente para a decisão de contratar e ao contraente público. 2. Aprovar a Resolução que aprova o I Plano Regional para a Inclusão da Pessoa em Situação de Sem Abrigo (PRIPSSA 2026-2030). 3. Aprovar a Resolução que autoriza a celebração de um contrato-programa, para vigorar no ano de 2026, entre a Região Autónoma dos Açores e o IROA, S.A, que visa regular a cooperação entre as partes na execução do previsto no Plano Regional Anual para 2026, com um impacto financeiro máximo de 4.040.000,00 €. 4. Aprovar a terceira alteração ao Decreto Regulamentar Regional n.º 23/2022/A, de 15 de novembro, que regulamenta a ação “Regimes de apoio à inovação de produtos e processos de produção e organização, à transição e à transição digital, destinados à reestruturação de empresas regionais do setor de transformação e comercialização de produtos agrícolas”, da medida “Apoios diretos à recuperação e resiliência das empresas”, do investimento “Relançamento Económico da Agricultura Açoriana”, do PRR-Açores. 5. Aprovar a abertura do procedimento de formação do contrato de empreitada de obras públicas, mediante a realização de concurso público, com publicação no Jornal Oficial da Região Autónoma dos Açores, com vista à execução da empreitada de “Construção da estação de tratamento de águas residuais do novo Matadouro de São Jorge”, com o preço base estimado de 705.000,00 €, valor ao qual acresce o IVA à taxa legal em vigor, e com o prazo de execução previsto de 5 meses. 6. Aprovar a Resolução que autoriza os apoios financeiros a conceder, no âmbito do regime jurídico-financeiro de apoio à emergência climática, às situações de perdas e danos patrimoniais decorrentes do fenómeno meteorológico extremo ocorrido na freguesia de Água de Pau, concelho da Lagoa, ilha de São Miguel. Nessa medida, foram aprovadas treze candidatura, no montante global de 69.027,71 €. Os apoios financeiros concedidos visam dar resposta às situações de perdas e danos patrimoniais que resultaram das condições meteorológicas adversas, de cariz anormal e imprevisível, do evento extremo mencionado. 7. Aprovar a abertura de um procedimento de contratação pública, nos termos do Regime Jurídico dos Contratos Públicos na Região Autónoma dos Açores e do Código dos Contratos Públicos, para formação de quatro contratos de concessão de instalação e exploração de máquinas de venda automática no Centro de Visitantes da Gruta das Torres, ilha do Pico, no Centro de Visitantes da Furna do Enxofre, ilha Graciosa, no Centro de Interpretação da Serra de Santa Bárbara, ilha Terceira e no Centro de Interpretação Ambiental das Furnas, ilha de São Miguel, pelo prazo de execução, para cada contrato, de três anos. 8. Aprovar a Resolução que reforça o montante da comparticipação financeira atribuída à SATA Air Açores para a operação de 2025 do Cartão Interjovem, no montante de 3.434,68 €.
Nota de Imprensa
March 28, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro opens Madalena ring road and reiterates commitment to implementing RRP The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, chaired today the opening ceremony of the Vila da Madalena Ring Road on the island of Pico. The new road infrastructure addresses long-standing issues, namely congestion at entry and exit points, heavy goods vehicle traffic in the town centre, poor traffic flow, and the lack of a functional and well-organised road network. The traffic in the town centre worsened both urban mobility and road safety. José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the strong support from the local community, noting that “the support shown by the community and local institutions speaks for itself.” He also stressed that this moment emphasises the importance of the project for Madalena and the island of Pico. With a total length of approximately 2.5 kilometres, the ring road links two sections of Regional Road no. 1-2. It intersects with Regional Road no. 3-2 and several municipal roads, ensuring a better integration of the island’s road network, particularly in the connections to areas such as Valverde, Cabo Branco, Sete Cidades and the Longitudinal Road. The solution implemented prioritised safety, traffic flow and functionality, namely through the creation of five roundabouts to reduce congestion and promote safer and smoother traffic flow. A junction was also introduced in an area with lower residential density, due to space constraints. The infrastructure comprises two lanes approaching the roundabouts and sections with two lanes in each direction, thereby enabling more efficient traffic flow, including for heavy goods vehicles. Provisions have also been made for pedestrian and cycling mobility, with the introduction of a two-way cycle path, improved pavements and pedestrian crossings in speed-restricted zones. The project also considered landscape and environmental integration, with the creation of green spaces, street lighting and the use of traditional basalt stone walls, thus ensuring the preservation of local identity. The reuse of excavated materials and the implementation of drainage solutions that avoid impacting private properties are also relevant features. The President of the Government emphasised that “the people are the primary focus of government action,” stressing that infrastructure development must go hand in hand with quality of life and regional development. José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his belief that this project marks a new chapter for the town, stating that “from today, Madalena will be a better place for its people,” contributing to the development of Pico Island and the Region as a whole. The government official also emphasised that this project fulfils “a longtime dream” of the local population, being part of a strategic vision that strengthens territorial cohesion and improves transport links. Regarding the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the Regional Government’s commitment to implementing European funds, emphasising that the Region is fulfilling, “in both an institutional and practical sense, and within the agreed timeframe, goals that are not those of the Government, but of the people and the future.” The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the work carried out by the Task Force for Monitoring the Implementation of the RRP-Azores (EMPRR-Açores), led by Rui Luís and established by the Azorean Government. In his view, this body represents a form of “practical intelligence” that has enabled the Region to meet milestones and targets, as well as to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that strategic development options are more realistic. In this context, he also mentioned the effort to optimise available resources, acknowledging the importance of the financial allocation granted to the country and the need to implement it effectively in the Region, aligning funding opportunities with the Azores’ development priorities. The works contract was awarded, following a public tender, to the Tecnovia Açores / AFAVIAS – Engenharia e Construções – Açores, S.A. consortium, representing an overall investment, including taxes and compulsory land purchases, amounting to approximately €8.5 million. The contribution of Fernando Alfaiate, president of Recuperar Portugal, who was present at the ceremony, was also acknowledged for his support and cooperation in the implementation of the RRP. Therefore, the Madalena ring road is a strategic investment in improving mobility, safety and quality of life on the island of Pico, strengthening territorial cohesion and reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to the sustainable development of the Region.
March 28, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro opens Madalena ring road and reiterates commitment to implementing RRP The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, chaired today the opening ceremony of the Vila da Madalena Ring Road on the island of Pico. The new road infrastructure addresses long-standing issues, namely congestion at entry and exit points, heavy goods vehicle traffic in the town centre, poor traffic flow, and the lack of a functional and well-organised road network. The traffic in the town centre worsened both urban mobility and road safety. José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the strong support from the local community, noting that “the support shown by the community and local institutions speaks for itself.” He also stressed that this moment emphasises the importance of the project for Madalena and the island of Pico. With a total length of approximately 2.5 kilometres, the ring road links two sections of Regional Road no. 1-2. It intersects with Regional Road no. 3-2 and several municipal roads, ensuring a better integration of the island’s road network, particularly in the connections to areas such as Valverde, Cabo Branco, Sete Cidades and the Longitudinal Road. The solution implemented prioritised safety, traffic flow and functionality, namely through the creation of five roundabouts to reduce congestion and promote safer and smoother traffic flow. A junction was also introduced in an area with lower residential density, due to space constraints. The infrastructure comprises two lanes approaching the roundabouts and sections with two lanes in each direction, thereby enabling more efficient traffic flow, including for heavy goods vehicles. Provisions have also been made for pedestrian and cycling mobility, with the introduction of a two-way cycle path, improved pavements and pedestrian crossings in speed-restricted zones. The project also considered landscape and environmental integration, with the creation of green spaces, street lighting and the use of traditional basalt stone walls, thus ensuring the preservation of local identity. The reuse of excavated materials and the implementation of drainage solutions that avoid impacting private properties are also relevant features. The President of the Government emphasised that “the people are the primary focus of government action,” stressing that infrastructure development must go hand in hand with quality of life and regional development. José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his belief that this project marks a new chapter for the town, stating that “from today, Madalena will be a better place for its people,” contributing to the development of Pico Island and the Region as a whole. The government official also emphasised that this project fulfils “a longtime dream” of the local population, being part of a strategic vision that strengthens territorial cohesion and improves transport links. Regarding the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the Regional Government’s commitment to implementing European funds, emphasising that the Region is fulfilling, “in both an institutional and practical sense, and within the agreed timeframe, goals that are not those of the Government, but of the people and the future.” The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the work carried out by the Task Force for Monitoring the Implementation of the RRP-Azores (EMPRR-Açores), led by Rui Luís and established by the Azorean Government. In his view, this body represents a form of “practical intelligence” that has enabled the Region to meet milestones and targets, as well as to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that strategic development options are more realistic. In this context, he also mentioned the effort to optimise available resources, acknowledging the importance of the financial allocation granted to the country and the need to implement it effectively in the Region, aligning funding opportunities with the Azores’ development priorities. The works contract was awarded, following a public tender, to the Tecnovia Açores / AFAVIAS – Engenharia e Construções – Açores, S.A. consortium, representing an overall investment, including taxes and compulsory land purchases, amounting to approximately €8.5 million. The contribution of Fernando Alfaiate, president of Recuperar Portugal, who was present at the ceremony, was also acknowledged for his support and cooperation in the implementation of the RRP. Therefore, the Madalena ring road is a strategic investment in improving mobility, safety and quality of life on the island of Pico, strengthening territorial cohesion and reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to the sustainable development of the Region.
Nota de Imprensa
March 28, 2026 Azores Skills – Regional Skills Championship takes place from November 2 to 6 in Ponta Delgada The 26th edition of Azores Skills – Regional Skills Championship will take place from November 2 to 6 in Ponta Delgada, announced Maria João Carreiro during the 3rd edition of Progresso – Professional Skills Convention, an initiative promoted by the Vila Franca do Campo Vocational School (EPVFC) on the island of São Miguel. On the occasion, the government official called for “active participation” from vocational schools and young people in this regional competition, an opportunity for students on different courses to put their skills, training and talent into practice. “In vocational schools, students are not just learning a trade – they are developing talent, discipline, independence and a spirit of initiative. What research and reality show is that young people who choose vocational education are making a choice based on courage, vision and the future,” she said. The Azores Skills serves as the qualifying round for Portugal Skills – the National Skills Championship, where the region won 18 medals in the previous edition. The 26th edition of this regional competition will take place at the Azores Training Centre. Maria João Carreiro noted that, since 2021, the two editions of Azores Skills have seen record numbers of participants and professional categories in competition. According to her, it was a “significant and clear demonstration of the dynamics currently experienced in regional vocational schools,” which have been attracting a growing number of young people to dual-certification courses – combining academic and vocational qualifications. “Many of the professionals most in demand in the job market started exactly this way, learning on the job and growing through experience. Vocational education is no longer an alternative or a second-rate choice – it is, increasingly, a great opportunity,” she emphasised. The government official highlighted the “excellent work carried out by the vocational schools, in open dialogue and close collaboration with the Azorean Government," with a view to promoting a vocational education pathway that transforms aptitudes into skills and dreams into opportunities – something “that regional businesses and the economy need.” Maria João Carreiro also explained to the approximately 140 students at the Vila Franca do Campo Vocational School, enrolled in nine Level 4 vocational courses, that “the Region needs and counts on every one of these young people to join the workforce.” Bearing this in mind, the Regional Secretary challenged students to make the most of the programmes and measures created by the Regional Directorate for Vocational Qualifications and Employment and the Regional Directorate for Youth to support them through the different stages of their training journey until their entry into the labour market. In her speech, Maria João Carreiro also expressed her “confidence” in the future and success of the trainees once they have completed their training. She pointed out that “the skills they have acquired, the abilities they have developed and the clear demonstration of the quality of vocational education in vocational schools” will stay with them throughout their lives. Maria João Carreiro also congratulated the Vila Franca do Campo Vocational School on organising the conference, a training event for young professionals, as well as on the “dynamics and commitment” of its management, instructors and staff in “ensuring young people receive the best training practices and the best resources for excellence in training.”
March 28, 2026 Azores Skills – Regional Skills Championship takes place from November 2 to 6 in Ponta Delgada The 26th edition of Azores Skills – Regional Skills Championship will take place from November 2 to 6 in Ponta Delgada, announced Maria João Carreiro during the 3rd edition of Progresso – Professional Skills Convention, an initiative promoted by the Vila Franca do Campo Vocational School (EPVFC) on the island of São Miguel. On the occasion, the government official called for “active participation” from vocational schools and young people in this regional competition, an opportunity for students on different courses to put their skills, training and talent into practice. “In vocational schools, students are not just learning a trade – they are developing talent, discipline, independence and a spirit of initiative. What research and reality show is that young people who choose vocational education are making a choice based on courage, vision and the future,” she said. The Azores Skills serves as the qualifying round for Portugal Skills – the National Skills Championship, where the region won 18 medals in the previous edition. The 26th edition of this regional competition will take place at the Azores Training Centre. Maria João Carreiro noted that, since 2021, the two editions of Azores Skills have seen record numbers of participants and professional categories in competition. According to her, it was a “significant and clear demonstration of the dynamics currently experienced in regional vocational schools,” which have been attracting a growing number of young people to dual-certification courses – combining academic and vocational qualifications. “Many of the professionals most in demand in the job market started exactly this way, learning on the job and growing through experience. Vocational education is no longer an alternative or a second-rate choice – it is, increasingly, a great opportunity,” she emphasised. The government official highlighted the “excellent work carried out by the vocational schools, in open dialogue and close collaboration with the Azorean Government," with a view to promoting a vocational education pathway that transforms aptitudes into skills and dreams into opportunities – something “that regional businesses and the economy need.” Maria João Carreiro also explained to the approximately 140 students at the Vila Franca do Campo Vocational School, enrolled in nine Level 4 vocational courses, that “the Region needs and counts on every one of these young people to join the workforce.” Bearing this in mind, the Regional Secretary challenged students to make the most of the programmes and measures created by the Regional Directorate for Vocational Qualifications and Employment and the Regional Directorate for Youth to support them through the different stages of their training journey until their entry into the labour market. In her speech, Maria João Carreiro also expressed her “confidence” in the future and success of the trainees once they have completed their training. She pointed out that “the skills they have acquired, the abilities they have developed and the clear demonstration of the quality of vocational education in vocational schools” will stay with them throughout their lives. Maria João Carreiro also congratulated the Vila Franca do Campo Vocational School on organising the conference, a training event for young professionals, as well as on the “dynamics and commitment” of its management, instructors and staff in “ensuring young people receive the best training practices and the best resources for excellence in training.”
Nota de Imprensa
March 27, 2026 Regional Government guarantees continuity of public transport services on São Miguel Island The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures announced that social fares are now available for purchase with public transport operators on the island of São Miguel. Following the activation of the applicable legal mechanisms, the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, has launched the pre-contractual procedure to ensure the provision of public passenger transport services from January 1, 2026. Accordingly, the situation has been resolved today, and the Regional Government guarantees that public transport services on the island of São Miguel are secured. The Azorean Government considers this service essential and assures citizens that it will continue without interruption, as it is an “essential public service” for citizens’ daily journeys, as in this case on the island of São Miguel.
March 27, 2026 Regional Government guarantees continuity of public transport services on São Miguel Island The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures announced that social fares are now available for purchase with public transport operators on the island of São Miguel. Following the activation of the applicable legal mechanisms, the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, has launched the pre-contractual procedure to ensure the provision of public passenger transport services from January 1, 2026. Accordingly, the situation has been resolved today, and the Regional Government guarantees that public transport services on the island of São Miguel are secured. The Azorean Government considers this service essential and assures citizens that it will continue without interruption, as it is an “essential public service” for citizens’ daily journeys, as in this case on the island of São Miguel.
Nota de Imprensa
March 27, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro praises "humanity" of blood donors and highlights "increase in activity at HDES" The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the ceremony marking National Blood Donor Day at the auditorium of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, at an event marked by the public recognition of hundreds of Azorean blood donors. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the profoundly human value of blood donation, emphasising that “we must bring humanity to humanity” at a time of global conflicts and challenges. José Manuel Bolieiro expressed “respect and gratitude” towards the donors, considering them “an inspiration for practising active altruism in a world where it is so often lacking.” “Donors show courage and altruism. We must keep our eyes on those who inspire us,” he said, praising the civic example of those who voluntarily contribute to saving lives. The President of the Government also acknowledged that, despite the difficulties intrinsic to public administration, there is an ongoing commitment to improvement. “We do not have a magic wand to solve every problem every day, but we have a duty, at every moment, to do our best to achieve the best possible outcome.” José Manuel Bolieiro congratulated the HDES Board of Directors on reviving this public recognition initiative, which had not taken place since 2019. He noted that this moment “honours the hospital and highlights the importance of a humanistic approach in the interaction amongst professionals, patients and the Regional Health Service.” The President of the Azorean Government also praised the role of the São Miguel Blood Donors’ Association, highlighting its contribution to mobilising society for this cause. “The humanistic and humanitarian spirit of the Azoreans places the Azores at the forefront, as a true inspiration,” he emphasised. During 2026, a total of 1,467 blood donors will be recognised across the three regional hospitals, with medals and certificates awarded in accordance with the Blood Donor Regulations of the Azores Regional Health Service. José Manuel Bolieiro also took the opportunity to highlight the positive progress in the healthcare provision at HDES. Comparing 2024 and 2025, the number of consultations increased by 12%, from 230,899 to 259,255, including a 13% rise in first-time consultations and a 12% rise in follow-up consultations. “Credit is due to those who are not complacent with a job well done and maintain the standard of always striving to do better,” he emphasised. Other indicators also point to a growth trend, notably an 8% increase in admissions, a 10% rise in the volume of surgical procedures and a 26% increase in inpatient surgery, as well as an 18% rise in emergency surgical activity. Day hospital activity grew by 9%, and complementary diagnostic and therapeutic services increased by 17%. The launch of the home hospitalisation unit, which has been operational since October 2025, was also highlighted as a significant step in the modernisation of healthcare in the Region. The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Board of Directors of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital, Carlos Pinto Lopes, and the Head of the Haematology Department, Fátima Oliveira, as well as the other members of the HDES Board of Directors. Also present were the distinguished donors and the São Miguel Blood Donors’ Association.
March 27, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro praises "humanity" of blood donors and highlights "increase in activity at HDES" The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the ceremony marking National Blood Donor Day at the auditorium of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, at an event marked by the public recognition of hundreds of Azorean blood donors. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the profoundly human value of blood donation, emphasising that “we must bring humanity to humanity” at a time of global conflicts and challenges. José Manuel Bolieiro expressed “respect and gratitude” towards the donors, considering them “an inspiration for practising active altruism in a world where it is so often lacking.” “Donors show courage and altruism. We must keep our eyes on those who inspire us,” he said, praising the civic example of those who voluntarily contribute to saving lives. The President of the Government also acknowledged that, despite the difficulties intrinsic to public administration, there is an ongoing commitment to improvement. “We do not have a magic wand to solve every problem every day, but we have a duty, at every moment, to do our best to achieve the best possible outcome.” José Manuel Bolieiro congratulated the HDES Board of Directors on reviving this public recognition initiative, which had not taken place since 2019. He noted that this moment “honours the hospital and highlights the importance of a humanistic approach in the interaction amongst professionals, patients and the Regional Health Service.” The President of the Azorean Government also praised the role of the São Miguel Blood Donors’ Association, highlighting its contribution to mobilising society for this cause. “The humanistic and humanitarian spirit of the Azoreans places the Azores at the forefront, as a true inspiration,” he emphasised. During 2026, a total of 1,467 blood donors will be recognised across the three regional hospitals, with medals and certificates awarded in accordance with the Blood Donor Regulations of the Azores Regional Health Service. José Manuel Bolieiro also took the opportunity to highlight the positive progress in the healthcare provision at HDES. Comparing 2024 and 2025, the number of consultations increased by 12%, from 230,899 to 259,255, including a 13% rise in first-time consultations and a 12% rise in follow-up consultations. “Credit is due to those who are not complacent with a job well done and maintain the standard of always striving to do better,” he emphasised. Other indicators also point to a growth trend, notably an 8% increase in admissions, a 10% rise in the volume of surgical procedures and a 26% increase in inpatient surgery, as well as an 18% rise in emergency surgical activity. Day hospital activity grew by 9%, and complementary diagnostic and therapeutic services increased by 17%. The launch of the home hospitalisation unit, which has been operational since October 2025, was also highlighted as a significant step in the modernisation of healthcare in the Region. The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Board of Directors of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital, Carlos Pinto Lopes, and the Head of the Haematology Department, Fátima Oliveira, as well as the other members of the HDES Board of Directors. Also present were the distinguished donors and the São Miguel Blood Donors’ Association.
