Paraíba health audit reveals critical equipment shortages in UPAs

An audit conducted by the Court of Accounts of the State of Paraíba (TCE-PB) has revealed significant deficiencies in 18 Urgent Care Units (UPAs) across the state. The inspection, which utilized data analysis and artificial intelligence, identified critical shortages in essential medical equipment and operational protocols.

Key findings include that 50% of the inspected units lacked vital equipment such as ventilators and defibrillators, and half did not have a doctor exclusively assigned to the Red Room (Sala Vermelha). Furthermore, 94.44% of the units lacked specific protocols for treating pregnant women and lacked isolation rooms for psychiatric or infectious patients.

Other administrative and structural issues identified include the absence of visible licenses in 77.78% of units, a lack of electronic or biometric time tracking in 61.11% of locations, and no formal priority documentation for children under six in half of the facilities. The TCE-PB plans to hold a technical meeting with health managers to address these bottlenecks and develop solutions.