SAMU emergency services expand coverage in Brazil

Emergency medical services (SAMU) are undergoing significant expansions and contract updates in different Brazilian regions.

In the Northeast/Northwest region, the Intermunicipal Health Consortium (CISREUNO) has announced a plan to achieve 100% coverage through the installation of 12 new Basic Support Unit (USB) bases. These bases will be located in municipalities including Arapuá, Bonfinópolis de Minas, Cruzeiro da Fortaleza, Guarda-Mor, Guimarânia, Lagamar, Lagoa Formosa, Matutina, Natalândia, Presidente Olegário, Santa Rosa da Serra, and São Gonçalo do Abaeté. Additionally, the municipality of Buritis will receive an Advanced Support Unit (USA) to handle more complex medical emergencies. New ambulances are currently undergoing technical inspections and administrative processing.

In Teresópolis, the municipal government has extended and updated the contract with the Cimserra consortium to ensure the continuity of SAMU 192 services. The contract amendment establishes a monthly cost of R$ 141,756.83. The service, which has operated in the city since late 2021, provides 24-hour emergency care and rescue operations. Following the creation of a base in Água Quente earlier in 2024, a new unit is expected to be established in Pessegueiros soon.