José Manuel Bolieiro highlights improved diagnostic capacity with new CT scanner in Santa Maria - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening ceremony of the new Computerised Axial Tomography (CAT) scanner at the Santa Maria Island Health Centre, an investment of €376,884, funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), which significantly improves the island’s diagnostic capacity.

As part of the statutory visit to Santa Maria, José Manuel Bolieiro visited the local Health Centre to learn about the operation of this state-of-the-art facility, which has been in operation since November 2025. On the occasion, he emphasised the importance of continuing to outfit all the islands with the technological resources required to ensure increasingly high-quality healthcare closer to the local communities.

“Our commitment is to ensure that all Azoreans have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their island of residence. This investment is another example of that priority,” stated the President of the Regional Government.

José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted that the new CT scanner can perform additional diagnostic tests more quickly, accurately and reliably, reducing the need for patients to travel to other islands. As such, it provides faster and more effective clinical responses.

"We are investing in the modernisation of the Regional Health Service, supporting our staff and providing better diagnostic and treatment facilities for patients," he added.

The equipment was installed by Siemens, in partnership with André Oliveira Unipessoal and Coelho de Magalhães. Since its commissioning in November 2025, the unit has performed 401 scans, demonstrating its importance to the clinical response of the Santa Maria Island Health Centre, whilst improving the care provided to the local population.