Terceira · November 3
Consultation wait may delay residential addiction treatment on Terceira
On Terceira Island, an appointment needed for residential addiction treatment may take months. The island's unit has one doctor for 500 patients.
News
Current affairs from the nine islands, reported with care.
Featured · November 9
Men in the Azores have a life expectancy 6.21 years lower than women
Life expectancy at birth in the Azores is 78.69 years, and the gap between women and men is the largest in Portugal, according to figures for 2023–2025.
Read moreOctober 31
Azores surgical waiting list reaches highest level in available records
In July, 13,945 patients were waiting for surgery in the Azores. Carlos Cortes calls for more resources at Ponta Delgada's hospital after the 2024 fire.
São Miguel · October 24
São Miguel expands staffing and hours to catch up on breast screening
São Miguel adds a technician and extends working hours to tackle breast cancer screening delays that have persisted for around two and a half years.
October 8
Planned hospital recruitment falls short of nursing needs
The Azores plan 40 new hospital nursing vacancies by the end of 2026, while the Order of Nurses estimates a regional shortfall of 250 professionals.
October 8
Azores seek to strengthen addiction services that remain insufficient
Addiction services in the Azores remain insufficient. Supervised consumption rooms depend on talks with Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande councils.
October 5
Travel for abortion care highlights healthcare challenges in the Azores
In 2025, 34.2% of women living in the Azores who had an abortion travelled outside the region, according to Portugal's Directorate-General of Health.
October 1
Azores winter vaccination expands flu protection for young children
The Azores' seasonal flu and COVID-19 campaign runs until March 2027, with free flu vaccines now available for children from six months through age four.
September 10
Reducing gaps in healthcare access is key to protecting babies in the Azores
Infant mortality is falling in the Azores, but access to care across all islands remains a priority.
August 30
Surgical waiting list reaches 13,945 patients in the Azores
In July, 13,945 people were waiting for surgery in the Azores, with an average wait of 498 days.
August 29
Health authorities monitor gastroenteritis cases across several Azorean islands
Azores health authority monitors increased gastroenteritis cases, with transmission declining on three islands.
August 24
Health monitoring intensified in Pico and São Miguel following rise in gastroenteritis cases
The Regional Health Authority has confirmed an unusual rise in gastroenteritis cases in Pico and São Miguel.