The opening session of the XIII National Congress of Misericórdias, which is taking place at the Palácio de Congressos do Algarve, in Albufeira, was marked by the reinforcement of the importance of the State's cooperation with social sector institutions.
In the prayer of wisdom given at the opening session, dedicated to the theme “The role of the social sector in the development of social policies in the Portuguese State”, the minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, José Vieira da Silva, highlighted the importance of cooperation between all actors in this sector, noting in particular that cooperation is much more than a mere concession for the provision of services
In the speech that marked the start of the 13th edition of the Congress of Misericórdias, Manuel de Lemos, president of the União das Misericórdias Portuguesas (UMP), also highlighted the importance of cooperation, but also the need to fulfill the commitments made in the Cooperation Pact.
The president of UMP underlined that the Portuguese Misericórdias are currently struggling with problems that affect the quality of their activity, namely the aging of the population, whose continued and permanent increase requires new social responses, which necessarily involve investment in equipment and innovation, but also the sustainability of the Misericórdias and the financial balance of the institutions. With the change in the profile of the population, especially the elderly, as well as the financial resources of families, it is urgent for the State to assume its responsibility in terms of public participation.
On the second day of the congress, Secretary of State for Social Security Cláudia Joaquim, in the debate dedicated to the theme “Tutelage and cooperation: a permanent challenge” stated that the strategic cooperation between the State and Private Solidarity Institutions should be “deepened and developed Social, based on partnership principles and a commitment to sharing objectives, common interests and responsibilities”.
So that the sustainability of social institutions is not built by sacrificing its commitment to the most fragile, he stressed that "it is necessary to progressively and sustainably reach a level of public support for cooperation that guarantees full commitment to the solidary dimension of social responses" .
Bringing together more than 700 participants and representatives of the Misericórdias from across the country, the Congress runs until February 10, with several thematic panels and the presence of various individuals representing civil society, politicians and businessmen to debate the panorama and the main challenges of the social sector.
The closing session of the National Congress of Misericórdias, which takes place this Saturday, February 9th, at 17 pm, will be chaired by the President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Before the closing ceremony, the Congress will debate various topics such as: “New Technologies in Care for the Elderly”, with Humberto Carneiro, Misericórdia Póvoa de Lanhoso, and Manuel Eanes, NOS Executive Administrator, as speakers; “Transparency and Rigor – Fundamental Management Instruments”, with João Vieira Pereira, Deputy Director Expresso, Nuno Mota Pinto, Executive Member Montepio, and Luís Menezes, General Director UNILABS Portugal; “Medicalized Home Support – A Paradigm of Modernity”, with Helena Bárrios, Adjunct Clinical Director at Hospital do Mar, and Lia Fernandes, Associate Professor at the University of Porto; “Professionalization and Mercy – A Challenge for Technical Staff”, with Nuno Gomes, General Director Misericórdia Arganil, and Zélia Reis, Coordinating Director Misericórdia Trofa; “The Role of Misericórdias in the Basic Health Law”, with Miguel Guimarães, President of the Medical Association, Maria de Belém Roseira, former Health Minister, and Eurico Castro Alves, President of the National Health Convention Organizing Committee.
Dedicated to the theme “Mission, Rigor and Commitment”, the XIII National Congress of Misericórdias is organized by the União das Misericórdias Portuguesas (UMP), in conjunction with the UMP Regional Secretariat in Faro, taking place from the 7th and 10th of February, at the Palácio de Congressos do Algarve, in Albufeira.
Click here to know the program of the XIII National Congress of UMP
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