Brazilian states approve multi‑million health contracts for ICU expansion and cancel exam caravan deal

In Santa Catarina, the state health secretariat and Hospital São José in Jaraguá do Sul completed the authorization process for a R$ 6.1 million agreement to add ten coronary intensive‑care unit (ICU) beds. State health secretary Diego Demarchi confirmed the approval, and deputy Vicente Caropreso said, “Processo aprovado. Agora é avançar para assinatura.” The expansion aims to relieve ICU shortages in the Amvalí region and enable more elective surgeries.

In São Paulo, the mayor of São José do Rio Preto, Fabio Candido, signed a decree on 16 April annulling a nearly R$ 12 million contract with the Santa Casa of Casa Branca. The contract had been for a mobile health‑exam caravan, termed “Carreta da Saúde.” The cancellation follows the municipality’s decision to designate the Santa Casa as a social organization, effectively ending the planned mutirão of exams.