Speaking to reporters, Miguel Albuquerque (PSD) indicated that the tender was launched "for a value of 260 million euros," following a review of the initially estimated prices.

"It will be a fundamental project for the future, which will be completed, God willing, and if Our Lady helps, within the expected timeframe," he said.

Miguel Albuquerque emphasised that the goal is to complete the project in 2027, but acknowledged that after completion, a "very complex phase" of moving from the old hospital to the new one will follow.

"This requires technical procedures of some complexity, and this could obviously affect the timeline," he emphasized.

The construction of the Madeira Central and University Hospital, which is expected to cost more than the initially estimated 350 million euros, including the acquisition of medical and hospital equipment, is financed by the autonomous region (50%) and the Portuguese State (50%).

The new hospital, located in the parish of São Martinho, Funchal, covers an area of 172,000 square metres and will have 607 beds, 79 for intensive care and 503 for general inpatients, a parking lot with capacity for nearly 1,200 cars, and a helipad.

Construction work, which began in 2021, currently involves 38 companies and approximately 500 workers.