Authorized Hiring of Retired Doctor to Continue Working at SESARAM

The Regional Finance Secretary, Duarte Nuno Nunes de Freitas, authorized the hiring of a doctor who reached retirement age, allowing her to continue working at the Madeira Autonomous Region Health Service (SESARAM, EPERAM). The decision was made under a legal exception that allows retention in public service for exceptional public interest.

The authorization, published through Order No. 331/2026, applies to Dr. Maria Isabel Nunes Canha, a senior assistant in the special medical career, specializing in General and Family Medicine.

Contract Conditions

The doctor will be hired under a fixed-term, renewable public functions employment contract and on a part-time work regime (30 hours per week). The contract's effects are backdated to July 27, 2026, the date the professional entered retirement status upon reaching 70 years of age.

Public Interest Justification

The order justifies the decision based on the exceptional public interest of retaining Dr. Maria Isabel Canha's services. The reasons presented include:

• Maintaining her contribution to the clinical activity of the Funchal Pneumological Diagnostic Center.
• Continuing her collaboration within the Tuberculosis Control Program.
• Her in-depth knowledge of care pathways and the clinical and public health requirements inherent to this pathology.

The proposal came from the SESARAM, EPERAM Board of Directors and was approved based on the need to ensure the continuity of specialized care considered essential for the region's public health.