Goiás Police Operation Targets SUS Surgery Queue Fraud
On July 17, the Civil Police of Goiás launched Operation Paciente VIP to investigate an alleged scheme that bypassed the public health system’s (SUS) surgery waiting list. Nine search and seizure warrants were executed in the cities of Goiânia, Caiapônia and Brazabrantes, seizing documents, mobile phones and electronic equipment.
Investigators say five patients from Caiapônia were able to receive elective surgeries by having their requests fraudulently re‑registered as emergency cases by officials in other municipalities. The operation also uncovered the use of stolen credentials, including the password of a municipal health employee who died three years earlier. Nine individuals are under investigation – the five patients and four suspects, among them a doctor – with police suspecting political influence rather than payment as the means of obtaining priority.
The Goiás State Health Secretariat and the municipal health secretariats have pledged cooperation with the police and said they will take appropriate measures if misconduct is confirmed.