In statements to the Lusa news agency, Cartaxo mayor João Heitor explained that the extension of the construction deadline is due to constraints caused by inclement weather and technical issues related to the installation of specific equipment, particularly in the areas of radiology and dentistry.

"There was a moment when the contractor and subcontractors had their activity hampered by the fact that they had to work in areas affected by inclement weather," he said, adding that the situation impacted supply chains and the delivery of materials.

According to the mayor, more recently, technical issues have arisen related to the installation of X-ray machines and dental equipment, which contributed to the delay in the contract.

Despite this, João Heitor assured that the situation does not compromise either the funding obtained through the PRR or the objectives defined for the health unit's entry into operation.

"A delay is always a delay, and we don't like having them," he acknowledged, emphasising, however, that the work is already more than 90% complete, with only more localised interventions and some external arrangements remaining.

According to the head of the local authority, the municipality of Cartaxo currently has 100% coverage of family doctors, a situation that contrasts with the reality of two or three years ago, when many users lacked an assigned doctor.

The mayor considered that this evolution was due to the work carried out in conjunction with the municipality's family health units, highlighting the strengthening of the Pontével Family Health Unit and the transition of the Terra Viva Family Health Unit, in Cartaxo, from model A to model B, a process that had the support of the municipality.

According to João Heitor, the construction of the new health centre should contribute to consolidating this response, providing better conditions for professionals and users.

"The new health centre will offer health professionals and users better working conditions and care," he said.

The official also explained that health professionals supported the project, with "changes being introduced throughout the execution of the work to meet new needs identified by the medical, nursing and technical teams."

In addition to constructing the new facility, the city hall plans to move forward soon with improvement works at the USF Dom Sancho in Pontével, aiming to improve existing conditions.

When asked about the old health centre, João Heitor said the municipality intends to adapt the building to install a new kindergarten.