José Manuel Bolieiro highlights improved community-based care with handover of 20 electric vehicles to São Miguel Island Health Unit - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the handover ceremony of 20 electric vehicles to the São Miguel Island Health Unit (USISM) in Ponta Delgada, representing an investment of €896,178, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). He emphasised that the initiative represents “another transformative moment” for the Regional Health Service and reflects the priority the Government has given to the health sector.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this fleet renewal stems from a “strategic vision” to modernise healthcare, using available EU funds to “bolster” the capacity to respond to people’s needs.

"This has been a journey of transformation. We have made use of an EU financial tool, with a very tight schedule, to make a clear commitment to healthcare as our priority is to look after people and families," he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that the RRP provided a crucial opportunity to accelerate structural investments in the Regional Health Service, leading to the implementation of projects intended to improve the quality of care across all islands.

The President of the Regional Government emphasised, in particular, the importance of home care, pointing out that the future of healthcare lies in being “closer” to patients.

“Our vision is to bring healthcare to people’s homes, rather than having people go to healthcare facilities. Whenever possible, we must provide support, monitoring and healthcare in people’s own homes, offering greater comfort, a better quality of life and a more personalised response,” he stressed.

The 20 vehicles that have now been handed over will be distributed amongst the six health centres on the island of São Miguel, bolstering the operational capacity of the multidisciplinary teams that provide medical, nursing, physiotherapy and social support to the local population daily.

During the first half of 2026, teams from the São Miguel Island Health Unit conducted about 13,000 home visits. This figure highlights the growing importance of this care service and the crucial role of community-based care in the prevention, monitoring and recovery of patients.

José Manuel Bolieiro also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of healthcare professionals.

“I would like to express my satisfaction and deep gratitude to healthcare professionals for the commitment and dedication they have always shown. Even in the face of limited resources and means, they have managed to make the most of their capacity to serve the Azorean population, the residents of São Miguel, and also all those who visit São Miguel and use our health services,” he said.

The head of the Azorean Government added that this renewal of the fleet will provide better working conditions for staff and provide a swifter, more efficient and safer response to the needs of the population.

Under the RRP, the purchase of the 20 electric vehicles is part of the investment project RE-C01-i11-RAA – Modernisation and Upgrading of the Regional Health Service. The vehicles will be distributed among the Health Centres of Ponta Delgada (11), Ribeira Grande (4), Vila Franca do Campo (3), Povoação (1) and Nordeste (1).

Between 2021 and 2026, the Azores Government’s investment in the São Miguel Island Health Unit exceeded €3.4 million, with around €2.4 million funded under the RRP. This investment has led, amongst other measures, to the acquisition of new radiology equipment for various health centres, five dental chairs, 19 vital signs monitors and the renewal of the fleet, which has now been completed.

The results of these efforts are also reflected in the care provided by the São Miguel Island Health Unit. Currently, the GP coverage rate stands at 96%, with around 940 professionals serving the community – 175 more than in 2019.

Compared with 2021, there was a 9% increase in general and family medicine consultations, a 158% increase in consultations at Basic Emergency Units, a 94% increase in dental consultations, a 31% increase in physiotherapy sessions and a 287% increase in X-ray tests. These indicators demonstrate the improved response capacity of primary healthcare on the island of São Miguel.