By PAULO SILVESTRE [email protected]
Portugal’s President Cavaco Silva was in the Algarve to attend the official opening of the new Loulé Hospital on July 8, following major renovation works to the health facility.
During his speech at the inauguration ceremony, the President said that no citizen should be denied access to healthcare because of “financial difficulties”.
“After major refurbishment works, this modern, state-of-the-art hospital is the reflection of the good partnership that exists between Loulé Câmara, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia humanitarian institution and the Government,” he said.
“The role played by the Santa Casa as a partner of the Government is very important. If the Government is unable to ensure the quality and effectiveness of health services to citizens, these must be delegated to other organisations.”
The President praised this joint effort and said that the Loulé Hospital will now offer improved healthcare in this “very important” part of the Algarve.
“Loulé now has excellent hospital facilities that are vital to secure health care to its citizens, without exception,” said Cavaco Silva.
Loulé Mayor Seruca Emídio said that the work carried out at Loulé Hospital is the “realisation of a dream”.
In his speech, the Mayor spoke of the difficult and lengthy process involved in the hospital project.
“This was a true endurance test, finally accomplished after nine years. We have supported this project all the way, and the efforts made by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia will ensure better access to health to our citizens,” said Seruca Emidio.
The Câmara provided financial support of more than €1 million, he said, which had shown its commitment to improving public healthcare in the area, with a view to increasing and improving the services available to patients.
Loulé Hospital, located at Avenida Marçal Pacheco, is able to offer a wide range of specialties, such as physiotherapy, paediatrics, otorhinolaryngology (ENT), cardiology, imagiology and urology, among others.
The total investment in the hospital project was €4.5 million, with financial support also provided by the Ministry of Health and Santa Casa da Misericórdia.
Do you have a view on this story? Please email Editor Inês Lopes at [email protected]
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