The President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA), Luís Garcia, yesterday praised the “fundamental role” of Horta Hospital in balancing the entire Regional Health Service, highlighting its importance in ensuring essential care, not only in Faial, but also in neighboring islands. “Each hospital, even if located on a particular island, is part of a regional system that is indispensable for the cohesion, equity, and safety of all Azoreans,” said the President of the Legislative Assembly at the formal session commemorating the 50th anniversary of Horta Hospital, which took place yesterday at the Faialense Theater.

Highlighting geographical dispersion as a challenge in providing healthcare in the region, President Luís Garcia argued that coordination between hospitals and health units on the island “is essential to ensure rapid and effective responses,” reinforcing the importance of each of these institutions for the functioning of the Regional Service.

On this occasion, the President of the Azorean Parliament recalled recent episodes that highlight the importance of cooperation between hospitals, such as the fire at Ponta Delgada Hospital or the COVID-19 pandemic, moments that “put the Regional Health Service to the test” and “demonstrated the effectiveness of coordination between institutions.”

“If the Regional Health Service was able to respond to these calamities, it was also because the hospitals in the Region came together, shared resources, welcomed patients, and showed, in practice, that there is no ‘this’ or ‘that’ hospital, but rather a Health System that works better when it cooperates,” said President Luís Garcia. In this regard, President Luís Garcia took the opportunity to praise the work of all the professionals at Horta Hospital—doctors, nurses, technicians, assistants, and administrators—as well as all the health units in the region, emphasizing “the effort and dedication that make it possible to provide quality care on all the islands.”

From ALRAA Press Release

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.