Pollyanna Silva, 40 years old, is admitted to Hospital da Baleia with dengue hemorrhagic fever | Photo: Hospital da Baleia / reproduction
With the dengue epidemic in Minas Gerais breaking historic records, Hospital da Baleia, a philanthropic institution that serves 100% of the SUS, announced, this Wednesday (27), the opening of 15 new beds for medical clinic, totaling 32 beds, of 168 throughout the unit, for arboviruses.
According to the Executive Superintendent of Hospital da Baleia, Fábio Patrus, the measure aims to expand the service capacity of the public network and guarantee access to treatment for patients with the disease. “This is a way of joining society’s efforts to get through this moment,” he says.
Hospital da Baleia only serves patients referred by the Municipal Health Department. In case of symptoms of dengue or flu, the patient should seek the nearest health center.
Pollyanna Silva, 40 years old, is admitted to the unit with dengue hemorrhagic fever. She appeals to the population to help by donating blood and making financial donations to the institution. “Whoever can, donate. We never think we will need [do hospital]. I’m feeling it,” she said.
Dengue epidemic
The dengue epidemic in Minas Gerais has already surpassed the 2016 historical record by 42.9%, with more than 767 thousand probable cases and 294 thousand confirmed cases. The Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, warns that complications from dengue and flu at the same time can overload the health system, especially in autumn and winter.
Data from the Ministry of Social Security reveal that dengue and other arboviruses took 1,370 people away from work in 2023, 756 in Minas Gerais (55.2% of the total).
Whale Hospital
Hospital da Baleia, a reference in philanthropic care in Minas Gerais, will turn 80 years old in 2024 and offers more than 30 medical specialties, with the capacity to perform more than 700,000 procedures per year. The institution will increase the number of beds from 106 to 202 by the end of the year.
To contribute to the mission of Hospital da Baleia, visit the Amigos do Baleia network website and make your donation: www.amigosdobaleia.org.br
—
THE TIME reinforces the commitment to quality, professional and Minas Gerais journalism. Our newsroom produces responsible information every day that you can trust.
Follow THE TIME on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram. Help grow our community.
