Brazilian courts block state funds to ensure essential services

Federal and state courts in Brazil have ordered the freezing of government funds to prevent the collapse of essential social and healthcare services due to payment delays.

In Alagoas, a federal judge ordered the blocking of approximately R$ 4.23 million from the state's accounts to secure the operations of Hospital Veredas in Maceió. The decision, supported by the Federal Public Ministry, aims to prioritize staff salaries and the purchase of medicines and medical supplies following delays in payments owed by the state for services provided to the Unified Health System (SUS).

In Pará, the 1st Court of Childhood and Youth in Belém ordered the immediate freezing of over R$ 2 million from the state's accounts. This measure is intended to guarantee care for approximately 37 children and adolescents with severe neurological disabilities at the Abrigo Especial Calabriano. The shelter, managed by the Francisco Perez Institute, had reported critical financial difficulties in paying employees and purchasing food and utilities due to a lack of state transfers.