Delays and Cost Overruns Plague Porto Santo's New Health Unit
Madeira GuideThe construction of Porto Santo's new health unit faces severe delays and budget overruns, leaving locals without crucial services. CHEGA leader Hugo Nunes criticizes the regional government's handling of the project.
The construction of the new Local Health Unit (ULS) in Porto Santo has become a point of contention, as significant delays and cost overruns plague the project. Initially slated for completion in September 2025, the project is now expected to conclude in the summer of 2028. The budget has escalated from an initial 18 million euros to a staggering 35.5 million euros.
Hugo Nunes, leader of the political party CHEGA, recently visited Porto Santo to address these issues. He criticized the regional government for what he described as poor planning and execution. According to Nunes, the delays and increased costs are not due to external factors, such as international conflicts, but rather a result of local mismanagement.
The new health unit, once completed, is expected to feature 5,250 square meters of construction, including an emergency room with a zero-level access, 17 consultation rooms, 16 inpatient beds, 8 hemodialysis stations, and 20 beds in the continuing care wing. These facilities are crucial for the island's healthcare infrastructure, which currently struggles to meet the needs of Porto Santo's residents.
Nunes highlighted the ongoing issues with public tenders, noting that many have gone unanswered. He suggested that this might be due to either flawed tender documents or market cartelization. The lack of progress is further exacerbated by the absence of promised housing for medical staff, which was meant to attract and retain healthcare professionals on the island.
"Passing from 18 to 35.5 million euros and delaying the project by three years is not an adjustment; it's a blow to public finances and a disrespect to the residents," stated Hugo Nunes.
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Madeira Guide
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