Rio Grande do Sul health contract investigations

Authorities and medical unions in Rio Grande do Sul are investigating potential financial irregularities regarding a long-term contract for the rental of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) equipment from the company RTS Rio S.A.

Initial reports indicate that a contract originally signed in 2018 has been extended through 12 addenda over several years. Critics and the Medical Union of Rio Grande do Sul (Simers) allege that the cumulative cost of approximately R$ 390 million is significantly higher than the estimated R$ 90 million it would have cost to purchase the equipment. Simers has requested an investigation by the State Public Prosecutor's Office (MPRS), arguing that healthcare should not be managed through prolonged emergency contracts.

The State Health Secretariat (SES) has contested these allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated. The SES maintains that the original 2018 agreement resulted from a regular bidding process and that a temporary emergency measure was only implemented in 2025 to maintain critical beds during a new bidding process. The Secretariat further stated that the rental provides an integrated service including maintenance, technical support, and staff training.