José Manuel Bolieiro highlights investment of over €2 million in robotic orthopaedic surgery in the Azores - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Jose Manuel Bolieiro, marked today a historic moment for healthcare in the Autonomous Region of the Azores: the launch of the Orthopaedic Robot at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT).

The occasion was highlighted by the first surgical procedure using orthopaedic robotic surgery in the Azores, a breakthrough representing a new step in the modernisation of the Regional Health Service and the improvement of care provided to the Azorean population.

“We are ushering in the era of surgical robotics. This was a necessity, and today, we are celebrating this moment,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the significance of this investment for healthcare professionals, patients and the future of healthcare provision in the Region.

José Manuel Bolieiro also expressed his gratitude to the hospital management and staff at HSEIT, emphasising the Regional Health Service’s commitment to strengthening its capacity to respond to the needs of Azorean patients.

“This hospital has superb facilities and dedicated staff. The aim is to enhance its distinctive features and capabilities, and also to make it more attractive to more professionals,” he added.

The purchase of this equipment is part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), under the component dedicated to the modernisation and upgrading of the Regional Health Service. Two orthopaedic robotic surgery systems have been acquired: one for the HSEIT and the other for the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES).

The total investment amounts to €2.35 million, plus VAT, with €1.25 million corresponding to the equipment installed at HSEIT and €1.1 million to that for HDES. Between 2021 and 2026, investment in equipment at HSEIT amounts to €15 million.

Robotic surgery is currently considered one of the most advanced technologies in the surgical field, enabling greater precision in procedures, better surgical planning, less invasiveness, and a faster and more effective post-operative recovery.

For the head of the Azorean Government, this “strategic investment” will yield significant health benefits and contribute to reducing morbidity, with specific studies planned to assess the clinical and operational impact of the technology.

The expected benefits include shorter hospital stays, a reduction in the number of physiotherapy sessions, a gradual improvement in clinical outcomes as staff gain experience, the generation of objective data for outcome comparison, and a potential reduction in indirect social costs, such as sick leave.

With this step, the Azores are positioning themselves at the forefront of technological innovation applied to healthcare, reinforcing the Azorean Government’s commitment to more modern and tailored healthcare that is closer to the Azorean population.

Also present on the occasion were the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Monica Seidi; the President of the Board of Directors of HSEIT, Paulo Diz; the Clinical Director, Rute Couto; the Director of the Operating Room, Lisandra Martins; and the Head of the Operating Room, Sandra Pavão.

Following the visit to the Operating Room, the group proceeded to the Cardiac Intermediate Care Unit (CICU) before continuing with a visit to the angiography suite, where works are undergoing.