President of the Government accompanied Minister of Health during visit after HDES fire - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied today the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, during a visit to the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada, two days after a fire that disrupted ‘the safe operation that the hospital must have for patient care."

Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Duarte Freitas, and the Regional Secretary for Health, Mónica Seidi, José Manuel Bolieiro - always surrounded by the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Health, Ana Povo - met with the hospital administration and was briefed on the damage caused by the fire.

Praising Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's "understanding," José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that "the extent of the damage" led to the "need for immediate intervention."

"I cannot thank everyone enough for their generosity and competence, without exception," he stressed.

The President of the Government defended that the reconstruction must make the HDES an "exemplary" unit, fit for the future and part of a national whole.

The President of the Government also stated that he had already spoken to the Minister of National Defence, Nuno Melo, who assured him that the Armed Forces are ready to set up a field hospital ‘to provide the best possible response within the HDES premises."