As part of the celebrations for World Health Day, held on April 7th, the Instituto S. João de Deus (ISJD) was awarded with the Gold Medal for Distinguished Services by the Portuguese Ministry of Health. The award took place at an official ceremony held in the INFARMED auditorium in Lisbon.

This honour, awarded to institutions and individuals with exceptional contributions to the National Health Service (SNS), was attended by several Portuguese government officials, including the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, and the Director-General of Health, Rita Sá Machado, along with other Government members.

This distinction, which the Hospitaller Order had already received in 2012, represents far more than an institutional award. Above all, it is a tribute to the mission that unites us, the tireless dedication of our employees and the deep trust of those we serve in our Care Centres. It is also public recognition of a living history of Hospitality, humanity and excellence in caring for people, especially the most vulnerable.

This Medal, awarded on behalf of the Ministry of Health, symbolises the credibility, commitment and professionalism that guide the work carried out daily in the Centres of the Order, in full harmony with our mission: to welcome, care for and promote the dignity of every person with Hospitality.

On 28 March, a historic agreement was also signed with the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS), in which the Order formally integrated into the national network for the provision of mental health care, on a complementary basis with the national health care system, consolidating a partnership that represented a significant milestone in the relationship between the social sector and the Portuguese State.

These recognitions from the Portuguese State deeply honour the Hospitaller Family and strengthen our commitment to continue serving with love, excellence and fidelity to the charism of St John of God.