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Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Mónica Seidi highlights increase in investment and expansion of social response capacity
Mónica Seidi highlights increase in investment and expansion of social response capacity
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Press release
Press release
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Mónica Seidi highlights importance of MOVida 2 project in promoting active ageing
Mónica Seidi highlights importance of MOVida 2 project in promoting active ageing
February 7, 2026
Mónica Seidi highlights increase in investment and expansion of social response capacity
February 3, 2026
Press release
January 31, 2026
Mónica Seidi highlights importance of MOVida 2 project in promoting active ageing
News
Azores Oncology Centre
Regional Directorate for Health
Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity
Regional Directorate for Prevention and Control of Dependencies
Regional Health Inspectorate
Institute for Social Security of the Azores
Regional Directorate for the Promotion of Equality and Social Inclusion
Nota de Imprensa
February 7, 2026
Mónica Seidi highlights increase in investment and expansion of social response capacity
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended the First National Meeting of Casas do Povo (Social Solidarity Institutions) held today in Ribeira Grande, highlighting the decisive role these institutions play in social cohesion and community support. In her speech, the government official praised the work carried out by institutions in the social sector every day, emphasising the Regional Government's commitment to supporting innovative projects that make a difference in the lives of the Azoreans, especially the most vulnerable. Mónica Seidi presented indicators demonstrating the growth and consolidation of the regional social network. The number of social responses remains stable overall, currently standing at 715. However, there has been a significant increase in installed capacity and the frequency of beneficiaries: there were 34,881 places available in 2024, 556 more than in 2020, and 25,848 beneficiaries using social responses, representing an increase of 1,474 people. In the area of childhood and youth, accounting for 45% of social responses, there was also a significant increase: eight more social responses, 946 more vacancies available and 1,792 more children benefiting from these services compared to 2020. "These figures demonstrate that we are reaching more Azoreans and supporting those who need it most," stressed the government official. For the Regional Secretary, this growth is also associated with a significant increase in public investment, as the amount invested in cooperation contracts for the operation of social responses rose from €96.3 million in 2020 to €130.7 million in 2024, representing a growth of 48.2%. The government official also highlighted the importance of Casas do Povo in the regional social sector, present in six of the nine islands of the Azores, representing 131 social responses and covering 4,170 beneficiaries in 2025. In 2025, investment in Casas do Povo, within the scope of Customer Value Cooperation Agreements and cooperation agreements in the area of inclusion, exceeded €10 million. “It is time to reflect, celebrate what went well and correct what can be improved. Networking, with the Institute for Social Security of the Azores as the driving force, should evolve with a view to optimising resources, sustainability and improving the quality of services provided," Mónica Seidi stated, calling for collective responsibility from all partners. She maintained that only through joint commitment will it be possible to improve the individual response to social sector beneficiaries in the Region.
February 7, 2026
Mónica Seidi highlights increase in investment and expansion of social response capacity
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended the First National Meeting of Casas do Povo (Social Solidarity Institutions) held today in Ribeira Grande, highlighting the decisive role these institutions play in social cohesion and community support. In her speech, the government official praised the work carried out by institutions in the social sector every day, emphasising the Regional Government's commitment to supporting innovative projects that make a difference in the lives of the Azoreans, especially the most vulnerable. Mónica Seidi presented indicators demonstrating the growth and consolidation of the regional social network. The number of social responses remains stable overall, currently standing at 715. However, there has been a significant increase in installed capacity and the frequency of beneficiaries: there were 34,881 places available in 2024, 556 more than in 2020, and 25,848 beneficiaries using social responses, representing an increase of 1,474 people. In the area of childhood and youth, accounting for 45% of social responses, there was also a significant increase: eight more social responses, 946 more vacancies available and 1,792 more children benefiting from these services compared to 2020. "These figures demonstrate that we are reaching more Azoreans and supporting those who need it most," stressed the government official. For the Regional Secretary, this growth is also associated with a significant increase in public investment, as the amount invested in cooperation contracts for the operation of social responses rose from €96.3 million in 2020 to €130.7 million in 2024, representing a growth of 48.2%. The government official also highlighted the importance of Casas do Povo in the regional social sector, present in six of the nine islands of the Azores, representing 131 social responses and covering 4,170 beneficiaries in 2025. In 2025, investment in Casas do Povo, within the scope of Customer Value Cooperation Agreements and cooperation agreements in the area of inclusion, exceeded €10 million. “It is time to reflect, celebrate what went well and correct what can be improved. Networking, with the Institute for Social Security of the Azores as the driving force, should evolve with a view to optimising resources, sustainability and improving the quality of services provided," Mónica Seidi stated, calling for collective responsibility from all partners. She maintained that only through joint commitment will it be possible to improve the individual response to social sector beneficiaries in the Region.
Nota de Imprensa
February 3, 2026
Press release
Following the news reported today regarding the operation of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics services at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT), the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security (SRSSS) wishes to clarify that it regrets that the information was disclosed through anonymous suspicions, without reliable sources from pregnant women or health professionals. It should also be noted that the SRSSS was not even heard on this matter. This has led to an alarmist interpretation of the situation, causing unnecessary concern among users and the general public. It is important to acknowledge that the Regional Health Service faces occasional constraints in terms of human resources. This situation is reflective of a broader reality within the National Health Service, as experienced in various regions of the country, particularly in gynaecology and obstetrics. Nevertheless, these constraints do not jeopardise the clinical safety of users, nor do they mean that care is disrupted. It should also be noted that the Regional Directorate for Health has no record of recent complaints regarding the operation of these services. HSEIT has ensured the monitoring of pregnant women, the response to urgent situations, and the delivery of babies, currently employing 12 doctors in the area of gynaecology and obstetrics, under different labour arrangements. Accordingly, most users have been receiving care within the Maximum Guaranteed Response Time. The Board of Directors of HSEIT has been working closely with clinical managers and healthcare professionals to increase the human resources in this department to reorganise schedules, reduce the workload, and gradually strengthen response capacity. This evidences the recognition of the commitment and dedication of the teams providing care daily. The SRSSS reiterates that the safety of pregnant women and newborns remains an absolute priority, closely monitoring the situation at HSEIT and ensuring that all necessary measures continue to be implemented to deliver adequate, safe, and humane healthcare.
February 3, 2026
Press release
Following the news reported today regarding the operation of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics services at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT), the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security (SRSSS) wishes to clarify that it regrets that the information was disclosed through anonymous suspicions, without reliable sources from pregnant women or health professionals. It should also be noted that the SRSSS was not even heard on this matter. This has led to an alarmist interpretation of the situation, causing unnecessary concern among users and the general public. It is important to acknowledge that the Regional Health Service faces occasional constraints in terms of human resources. This situation is reflective of a broader reality within the National Health Service, as experienced in various regions of the country, particularly in gynaecology and obstetrics. Nevertheless, these constraints do not jeopardise the clinical safety of users, nor do they mean that care is disrupted. It should also be noted that the Regional Directorate for Health has no record of recent complaints regarding the operation of these services. HSEIT has ensured the monitoring of pregnant women, the response to urgent situations, and the delivery of babies, currently employing 12 doctors in the area of gynaecology and obstetrics, under different labour arrangements. Accordingly, most users have been receiving care within the Maximum Guaranteed Response Time. The Board of Directors of HSEIT has been working closely with clinical managers and healthcare professionals to increase the human resources in this department to reorganise schedules, reduce the workload, and gradually strengthen response capacity. This evidences the recognition of the commitment and dedication of the teams providing care daily. The SRSSS reiterates that the safety of pregnant women and newborns remains an absolute priority, closely monitoring the situation at HSEIT and ensuring that all necessary measures continue to be implemented to deliver adequate, safe, and humane healthcare.