José Manuel Bolieiro announces commitment to retaining doctors and making structural investments in Madalena - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, ended the first day of his statutory visit to Pico Island on Monday with a working meeting with the municipality of Madalena, chaired by Catarina Manito. It was a "truly rewarding" meeting that evidenced a spirit of cooperation focused on developing the municipality and the island.

Emphasising that Madalena is the "Capital of Vineyards and Wine," José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the fact that the Regional Government of the Azores had recently chosen this municipality to establish the headquarters of the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA). This decision further underlines the recognition of Pico’s strategic role in promoting Azorean wine production. The President of the Government reiterated that IVVA plays a decisive role in the qualification, promotion and external projection of a fundamental sector for the regional economy.

In terms of accessibility, the study currently underway to expand the Pico Airport runway was discussed, a possibility identified following a previous meeting between the island's three municipalities. For the head of the Azorean Government, this matter must be analysed with a strategic vision, given the impact it may have on mobility, the economy and the cohesion of the island, similarly to the contribution of IVVA to the wine sector throughout the archipelago.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the importance of the Madalena bypass, whose upcoming opening he considered a significant step towards improving traffic conditions and road safety. In the area of health, he acknowledged the concerns expressed by the municipality, reiterating the Government's commitment to improve GP coverage by opening a public recruitment process to hire another GP and family doctors to the island.

"We want to provide our families with better access to healthcare," he said.

Regarding the difficulties in retaining healthcare professionals, the President of the Government recalled that the Azorean Government has already implemented a salary premium scheme for the islands where retention is most challenging, creating additional incentives. This measure may be complemented by local initiatives, with the municipality expressing its willingness to collaborate, particularly through rental support.

"Working in synergy with local authorities, we have managed to create better conditions for retaining professionals as skilled as doctors and ensuring greater access to healthcare," he emphasised.

Satisfaction was also expressed with the paving of another section of the access road to Pico Mountain, as well as with the completion of a reservoir that will improve water supply to crops, investments that contribute to better working conditions and greater resilience in the agricultural sector. The intention to proceed with the redevelopment of Porto Velho port was also highlighted, with the project currently under preparation. Among other interventions, the project includes the expansion of the ramp, a solution that will mitigate constraints associated with the accumulation of seaweed and improve the use of that infrastructure.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, these investments and projects are a sign of increased capacity in the Pico Island municipalities and throughout the archipelago, boosting social and economic life while consolidating their institutional presence in areas such as education, health, and infrastructure.

"We are boosting our economy and establishing the Azores as a tourist destination, also largely driven by business dynamics," he stressed.

The President of the Azorean Government highlighted that the statutory visit is taking place in a spirit of ongoing dialogue and joint solution-building.

“It is in this spirit of proximity and cooperation that we work for the development of Pico Island and the Azores, with responsibility, strategic vision and commitment to the Azoreans,” he concluded.