Madeira Government approves new structure for Regional Health and Civil Protection Secretariat

The Madeira Regional Government approved, through Regional Regulatory Decree No. 17/2026/M, of September 21, the new structure of the Regional Secretariat for Health and Civil Protection (SRS). The decree, published in the Official Journal, enters into force the day after its publication.

The new structure aims for greater integration of sectoral public policies, unifying strategies for health promotion, disease prevention, and active aging management. To this end, the Regional Directorate of Health and Longevity (DRSL) is created, which succeeds and unifies the responsibilities of the former Regional Health Directorate (DRS) and the Regional Directorate for Integrated Public Policies and Longevity (DRPPIL).

The Regional Health Activities Inspectorate (IRAS) is also created, which assumes control, audit, and inspection functions in the health sector, strengthening institutional capacity to ensure the legality and quality of care.

The Regional Secretariat for Health and Civil Protection includes the following services:

• Direct administration: Office of the Regional Secretary, Regional Directorate of Health and Longevity, and Regional Health Activities Inspectorate.
• Indirect administration: Institute of Health Administration, IP-RAM (IASAÚDE, IP-RAM) and Regional Civil Protection Service, IP-RAM (SRPC, IP-RAM).
• Regional business sector: Exercises oversight and supervision over the Madeira Autonomous Region Health Service, EPERAM (SESARAM, EPERAM).

The decree also establishes a centralized human resources management system for direct administration services and maintains, until the approval of their specific structures, the Mission Structure for the Central and University Hospital of Madeira (EMHCUM) and advisory bodies, such as the Regional Health Council and the Mental Health Advisory Council.