Tocantins anesthesiologists suspend elective surgeries over unpaid debts

The Cooperative of Anesthesiologists of Tocantins (Coopanest-TO) has suspended anesthesiological services for elective surgeries and surgical blitzes across the state's public health network. The decision, effective Wednesday (9), follows the failure of the Tocantins State Health Secretariat (SES-TO) to regularize payments within the established timeframe.

While recent payments were made, the cooperative reports outstanding debts for services provided approximately six months ago. Additionally, the state government has not fully complied with the schedule for the Debt Recognition process. The suspension affects elective procedures, outpatient pre-anesthetic evaluations, and exams performed under sedation or anesthesia.

Emergency and urgent care services remain fully operational through uninterrupted on-call shifts. Coopanest-TO stated that the resumption of elective services is contingent upon the settlement of overdue debt installments and the regularization of billing from the last 90 days. The matter has been reported to the State and Federal Public Prosecutors' Offices and the Regional Medical Council of Tocantins.