Rondônia health management faces scrutiny over high mortality rates

A report from the Court of Accounts of the State of Rondônia (TCE-RO) has identified significant irregularities in the state government's health management, specifically regarding maternal and infant health policies. The audit revealed that Rondônia currently holds the second-highest infant mortality rate in Brazil, trailing only Amapá, with 9 deaths per 1,000 births compared to a national target of 5.

Key failures identified by the tribunal include insufficient coverage of essential exams, an excessive concentration of specialized services in the capital, and regional access difficulties. The report indicates that approximately 74% of infant deaths could have been avoided, while more than one-third of maternal deaths were caused by preventable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and urinary tract infections.

Hildon Chaves, the former mayor of Porto Velho and a gubernatorial candidate, criticized the findings, calling the administrative incompetence “inacceptable.” He has pledged to conduct a full health diagnostic and invest in new hospitals and care centers to address the crisis.