Brazil reports reduction in healthcare services

Brasilia, Jan 15 (Prensa Latina) Chaos in the healthcare sector due to protests, the lack of physicians, the closing of medical centers and the shortage of supplies characterized 2019 in Brazil, according to the O Globo newspaper.

The publication said that in rural areas, there has been a considerable contraction in medical services, due to the crisis affecting the country.

State capitals such as Manaos, in Amazonas, and Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte, are among the most affected by the chaos in the healthcare sector, O Globo warned.

It added that in late 2019, there were 17 hospitals and 13 basic medical units fewer compared to the beginning of the year.

In addition there was a reduction in supplies of mobile units, specialized offices and laboratories, among other services.

One of the main difficulties reported by managers to face the problems is the lack of resources, which affects several states, the newspaper pointed out.

Doctors warned that patients have to wait up to six months to undergo hernia or gall bladder surgeries.