Amazonas health services reinforced by SUS National Force amid forest fires

The SUS National Force has established a regional base in Manaus to support healthcare services in the Amazonas state, following a surge in medical demands caused by forest fires. Since early October, the public health network has recorded 541 cases of respiratory issues linked to smoke exposure.

To manage the crisis, the new base utilizes an interactive dashboard updated by 43 municipalities to monitor medical supply availability and health demands. This data allows for the strategic deployment of teams via aircraft and boats, aiming for a response time of no more than 72 hours. The operation is designed to alleviate pressure on local health units and ensure specialized care reaches critical areas.

Simultaneously, a federal task force is combating the fires, having already performed approximately 370 water drops. The government plans to expand this response by installing another regional base in Porto Velho to address the ongoing drought and the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon on the region's health and environment.