# Palmas UPA management outsourcing dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/palmas-upa-management-outsourcing-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-15T23:20:14.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Public Ministry of Tocantins (MPTO) initially recommended that the City of Palmas annul a public notice intended to outsource the management of two Emergency Care Units (UPAs). The MPTO cited legal deficiencies, including a lack of economicity studies and a failure to submit the proposal to the Municipal Health Council for social control.

Following this intervention, the Court of Justice of Tocantins (TJTO) ruled that the Palmas City Hall must fully reassume administration of the North and South UPAs within 45 days. The ruling suspends the collaboration agreement with Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Itatiba, an arrangement valued at approximately R$139.2 million annually. The court's decision follows findings that the new contracting proposal could have resulted in a R$58 million reduction in projected costs. The municipality is required to implement all necessary measures to ensure healthcare services continue without interruption during the transition.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: Palmas City Hall ordered to reassume management of North and South UPAs

The Court of Justice of Tocantins ordered the Palmas City Hall to reassume management of the North and South UPAs within 45 days, suspending a partnership with Santa Casa de Itatiba.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palmas-city-hall-ordered-to-reassume-management-of-north-and-south-upas

### 2026-09-28: Palmas Public Ministry recommends annulling UPA outsourcing notice

The Public Ministry of Tocantins has recommended that Palmas annul a public notice to outsource its Emergency Care Units (UPAs) due to legal and economic irregularities.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palmas-public-ministry-recommends-annulling-upa-outsourcing-notice

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Cite as: Palmas UPA management outsourcing dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/palmas-upa-management-outsourcing-dispute