MPF, MPPA, DPU and DPE-PA denounce lack of structure and access to healthcare for the homeless population in Belém

The request was presented on September 15th and published this Monday (21st). According to the bodies, inspections and services carried out in the capital of Pará identified a lack of medicines, structural problems in reception units and barriers to accessing health services. The demonstration is part of a public civil action that demands compliance with basic rights and previous court decisions.

g1 contacted Belém City Hall and the Government of Pará to ask for a position on the problems highlighted and the measures adopted to assist the homeless population and is awaiting feedback.

An inspection by the MPF at Casa Rua Nazareno Tourinho showed infiltrations, exposed electrical wiring, sewage leaks and the risk of collapse. According to the report, the space also does not have enough beds and mattresses, and sick or weakened people were found sleeping on the floor.

Agencies also reported shortages of food and drinking water. According to the statement sent to the Court, 120 meals are provided per day, while around 250 people circulate through the space daily.

According to the institutions, the four teams of the Consultório na Rua program have only one vehicle to serve a population estimated at up to 3,500 people and do not have computers to record services in the Ministry of Health system.

The petition also reports cases of requiring proof of residence or civil documents for assistance. In one of the situations cited by DPE-PA, a 43-year-old man who was vomiting blood was allegedly refused treatment at the Mário Pinotti Emergency Room and only received assistance after the intervention of public defenders and street health professionals.

According to the agencies, Belém has two Alcohol and Drug Psychosocial Care Centers (Caps AD), with waiting times for appointments of up to two months. A third unit with 24-hour service, announced by the public authorities in 2022, has not yet come into operation.

Among the measures requested are the prohibition of requiring documents or proof of address for service, emergency works at Casa Rua, supply of water, food and beds, as well as computers and internet for the Consultório na Rua teams.

The bodies also ask for measures to avoid refusals of calls by Samu, expansion of the Consultório na Rua teams, creation of vacancies for people with chemical dependency or mental disorders and a schedule for opening the new 24-hour Caps AD. MPF, MPPA, DPU and DPE-PA also requested daily fines from public managers in case of non-compliance with court orders.