The Chega party’s resolution project was unanimously approved during the plenary session of the Regional Assembly in Horta, aiming for an audit of “contracts and expenses related to the design, construction, equipping, and operation of the modular hospital.”
In presenting the bill, Chega deputy Oliveira Santos stated that the construction of the modular hospital involves a “murky process that raises many doubts about legality” and warned that “those who have nothing to hide should not be afraid.”
“There were no market consultations either for awarding the building or for acquiring the equipment,” she claimed, demanding a “thorough clarification.”
Chega/Açores leader José Pacheco described the modular hospital as a “rotten container mess.”
During the debate, socialist Carlos Silva also voiced concerns about the infrastructure, indicating delays in construction time and the final price, which he stated is around 40 million euros (including equipment).
Délia Melo (PSD) responded by noting that the equipment will serve the Hospital de Ponta Delgada, considering the modular hospital as the “quickest and safest option for patients and healthcare professionals.”
Similarly, the Regional Government’s Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) defended the choice of the modular hospital, stating, “everything was done with seriousness in defending the interests of the Azorean people,” according to Paulo Estêvão.
PAN deputy Pedro Neves agreed with the audit but lamented Chega’s “show-off” for presenting the measure while the inquiry commission on the recovery of the Hospital de Ponta Delgada is still ongoing.
Liberal Nuno Barata also highlighted that the modular hospital process “raises doubts for everyone,” while António Lima (BE) accused the executive of “deceiving” the Azorean people, stating that the healthcare provided at that unit is “light years away from what it should be.”
The fire that broke out on May 4, 2024, at the Hospital Divino Espírito Santo (HDES) in Ponta Delgada forced the relocation of patients to other healthcare facilities in the Azores, Madeira, and the mainland. The Regional Government decided to install a modular hospital to ensure healthcare services until the sole public hospital on the largest Azorean island is renovated.
There is an ongoing inquiry commission in the Regional Assembly regarding the recovery of HDES, following criticism of constructing the modular hospital instead of reopening the emergency service.
