Press release - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

Regarding the ICOR study published by INE (National Statistics Institute), which assesses Living Conditions and Income, and without questioning the results presented, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security (SRSSS) considers it appropriate to clarify that these results are based on a limited statistical sample when compared to the total population of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, given that, in 2025, 1,982 households were referenced in the Azores, corresponding to a sample of 5,433 people, of whom 4,143 responded to the survey.

An analysis of the evolution of healthcare activity and key indicators reveals a number of significant positive aspects, demonstrating the Regional Health Service's (SRS) capacity for recovery, organisational adaptation and improved healthcare response.

Therefore, it is important to emphasise:

• Since 2022, the GP coverage rate in the Autonomous Region of the Azores has been equal to or greater than 91%. This means that, out of a total of around 263,000 users registered with the SRS, approximately 239,000 have been assigned a GP.

• In primary health care, the overall rate of use of medical consultations has been increasing, reaching 86% in 2025.

• The proportion of users with an assigned GP and, at least, one consultation with their doctor in the last three years increased from 74% in 2024 to 77% in 2025.

• The proportion of children with at least six medical consultations for child health surveillance in the first year of life also increased, from 58% in 2024 to 64% in 2025.

• Regarding dental care, and although the figures fall short of what is desirable, it is important to highlight the growth registered since 2022. In 2025, 34,176 consultations were carried out. In this context, it is also important to highlight the implementation of the dental voucher, aimed at improving access, prevention and equality in oral health throughout the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as well as the creation of a dental career scheme for SRS workers.

• As for nursing consultations, 789,760 consultations were carried out in 2025, 59,927 more than in 2024.

• As regards hospital consultations, 318,514 consultations were carried out in the three regional hospitals in 2025, with an increase of 13,215 compared to 2024.

• Despite the increase in the surgical waiting list in the Autonomous Region of the Azores over the last two years, it should be noted that the three hospitals faced significant constraints: construction work at Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island and Horta Hospital, and a fire at Horta Hospital, which significantly reduced the number of available operating rooms. Even so, in 2025, 11,987 patients underwent surgery in the SRS, 285 more than in 2024.

• As for day hospital activity, 78,694 sessions were held in 2025, an increase of 2,949 compared to 2024.

The Regional Secretariat for Health acknowledges that there is still a challenging path ahead, but welcomes the results achieved and the daily efforts of the SRS professionals. The Regional Secretariat for Health also recognises that the goal for 2026 is to continue building a more patient-centred and stronger SRS that is better able to respond to the needs of the population.