Brazil expands public health services with new surgery, mental‑health and researcher support programmes
The federal government launched a nationwide task force to cut the waiting list for medium‑ and high‑complexity surgeries in the SUS. The effort, running until 27 June, involves 46 health units across 20 states, aiming for about 16 000 procedures, including roughly 2 300 in private hospitals and more than 13 000 in re‑activated public operating rooms. In Maranhão, the Hospital Maranhense will add 44 surgeries this week.
Santa Catarina introduced a program to decentralise reconstructive plastic surgeries, moving them from a single university hospital to 14 accredited hospitals throughout the state. Over 500 patients have already been referred for pre‑operative evaluation, and the state offers an additional R$ 3 000 per procedure to participating facilities.
The state also inaugurated the R$ 16 million Nossa Senhora de Fátima Mental Health Complex in Praia Grande. The 3,600 m² facility will provide 60 beds (30 for psychiatry) and multidisciplinary services, creating about 100 direct jobs and opening in August.
Maranhão announced a pioneering mental‑health programme for graduate researchers, a joint initiative of FAPEMA and EGMA. Starting 27 July, the twelve‑month programme will run eight monthly cohorts, training up to 200 participants in stress management, emotional well‑being and career development, with ongoing psychological support.