Mother chains herself in Palmas to demand heart surgery for her 5-year-old son

Laise Sousa Carvalho drew attention in Palmas after chaining herself in front of the General Hospital of Palmas (HGP) and the headquarters of the Public Ministry of Tocantins (MPTO). She is the mother of 5-year-old boy Kauan, who was born with a serious heart problem and has been waiting for surgery for two years.

The child was born with a congenital heart malformation and is awaiting the surgical procedure, which will be carried out in a hospital in São Paulo. The case involves court decisions, blocking of state public funds and medical reassessments by the Tocantins State Department of Health (SES-TO).

After the repercussions of the protest, the medical team at the hospital's Pediatric ICU issued a report attesting to the urgency of removing the boy from the air ICU to the origin of his treatment in São José do Rio Preto. See below what is known about the case.

Why did the mother chain herself in front of the hospital?

Laise Sousa Carvalho chained herself to the gate of the Palmas General Hospital (HGP) and, later, in front of the Tocantins Public Ministry (MPTO) building on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

The mother held the protest to demand the immediate transfer of her son, admitted to the HGP Pediatric ICU, to a specialized hospital in São Paulo. Laise demands compliance with Out-of-Home Treatment (TF), requested since 2024, so that the boy undergoes urgent heart surgery.

Why is heart surgery urgent?

Kauan was born with a congenital heart malformation and has only one functional ventricle. The boy underwent two surgeries at the Hospital da Criança e Maternidade de São José do Rio Preto (SP) and needs a third major procedure.

Currently, the child receives tube feeding, does not walk, does not speak and has breathing difficulties. The recent report from the Pediatric ICU reinforces the urgent need for complex exams in the São Paulo unit where his treatment began.

What is Fontan surgery required for treatment?

Fontan surgery is a major cardiac procedure indicated for patients born with only one functional ventricle in the heart. In Kauan's case, the intervention represents the third surgical stage of a continuous treatment to correct his congenital heart disease.

What did the court decide on the case?

In July 2025, the Court of Justice ordered the State of Tocantins to arrange for Kauan's transfer to São Paulo via an air ICU, guaranteeing an escort and the cost of accommodation and food.

Faced with non-compliance after a year, judge Edimar de Paula, from the Paraíso do Tocantins Family Court, ordered the blocking of state public funds to finance the surgery and medical transfer.

Why hadn't the transfer been carried out yet?

According to the State Department of Health (SES), the procedure had not previously occurred because specialized medical evaluations, issued in August 2026, contraindicated removal.

The Cardiovascular Surgery and Pediatric Cardiology teams had highlighted clinical and neurological fragility, in addition to compromised vascular access, which increased surgical risks at that time.

What was the response of the Tocantins Health Department after the protest?

After the mother's action and a new medical evaluation, the SES reported that Kauan was released for removal by the specialist medical team. The HGP Regulation team was called to contact the Regulation of the destination hospital in São Paulo and make the referrals.

The state agency confirmed that the transfer via air ICU will be carried out as soon as a bed becomes available.

How is the transfer process progressing?

With the issuance of the new report by the HGP Pediatric ICU attesting to the urgent need for the trip, the family awaits confirmation of the bed and transport logistics.

The Tocantins Public Prosecutor's Office received the mother, collected new information and forwarded the material to the Public Prosecutor's Office responsible for the case, which is being processed under judicial secrecy.