Dengue and Covid-19 cases fill health units in Novo Hamburgo; patients wait hours for care

With almost 4,300 confirmed cases of dengue fever as of Tuesday afternoon (26), patients in Novo Hamburgo have faced overcrowding in the city’s health units. One of these cases is that of João Henrique da Silveira Pacheco, aged 20, who had the disease confirmed last Friday (22).

Still feeling unwell, the young man sought care at the Emergency Care Unit (UPA) Centro on Monday (25), but as he found the place full, “with around 60 people still waiting outside”, the young man returned home. He returned to the UPA around 11:30 am this Tuesday and, after being found to have a fever, waited for around four hours before receiving care.

Capacity

According to the Novo Hamburgo Health Foundation (FSNH), all health units are very busy, with an average of five to six hours for care. “These are mainly cases of dengue, Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases that have symptoms that confuse patients”, he comments.

The institution also explains that despite having to wait for the doctor’s care, patients undergo screening and, when there is an immediate need, they are referred to the professional.

“Those waiting are those who do not have a high fever, altered blood pressure or any other symptom that is considered urgent. In the meantime, of course, whatever complications there are, they receive immediate care,” he adds.

Among the patients’ complaints is also the service provided to residents of other cities. In this regard, the Foundation explains that, although the priority for care at the stations goes to those who have the municipality’s Unified Health System (SUS) card, emergency care cannot be denied to any patient.