The Municipality of Braga and ARS Norte will sign a program contract aiming to present two applications, worth 2.6 million euros, to the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), aiming to requalify the Paulo Orósio Health Unit (1 .6 million euros) and the construction of the Esporões Health Unit (one million).
Its vice-president, Sameiro Araújo, who oversees the Health area at the Chamber, told O MINHO that the Paulo Orósio Unit, in Maximinos, needs work on the interior as the frames, electrical structure and some areas of the building, are “very deteriorated”.
The two agreements to be signed between the parties will be debated and voted on this Monday at a meeting of the Executive of councilors.
Recently, the president of the municipality, Ricardo Rio, said that, and given that the Chamber has assumed the delegation of powers in the health area, it will still be necessary to invest in the creation of a new mega Health Center in Quinta da Armada, in the construction of Campos Vilar Health Unit and as well as in the requalifications of USP in Braga, the Carandá Health Unit, the Ruães Health Unit, São Lourenço, and Tebosa.
In total, and including the two projects that will be voted on in the Chamber, an investment of around 12 million euros is expected by 2026 (more than 10 million from the PRR and 1.5 from municipal investment).
Management and investments
In 2023, the management and investment skills relating to new primary health care units were transferred to municipalities in the health sector, namely in their construction and equipment, as well as management, maintenance and conservation skills of the facilities. and equipment allocated to primary health care.
Now, and within the scope of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), the Investment Invitation Notice RE-C01-i01 – Primary Health Care was issued, to requalify or adapt buildings to increase energy efficiency, comply with contingency plans and/or ensure accessibility, safety and comfort of users and professionals.
Another notice is aimed at the construction of new health units/poles, with needs at least 20% lower than the “Nearly Zero Energy Building” standard (energy saving), to replace unsuitable buildings.
In addition to the physical improvement of buildings, the Municipality will make an additional effort in terms of strengthening human resources allocated to health structures.
