After investigation, the court understood that the practice generates double charges. As of the decision, any such charge for SUS shifts is prohibited.
credit: Disclosure: Manhuaçu City Hall
After an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for the Defense of Health in Manhuaçu, in Zona da Mata, it was proven that doctors on duty at the César Leite Hospital were charging R$4,000 for users of the Unified Health System (SUS) to exchange a normal birth for a cesarean section. .
The Court of Justice of Minas Gerais (TJMG) granted an injunction prohibiting the practice. The decision came after the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG) filed a Public Civil Action (ACP) in February this year.
Known as the “SUS Package”, the amounts were transferred in full to the doctors on duty, who received two payments, as they were also paid for the working hours completed by the SUS.
“In view of the pain suffered by the pregnant patient and considering that the doctor does not perform a cesarean section without private payment, the family members end up sacrificing themselves so that they can carry out the procedure (an elective cesarean section)”, states the decision.
After the TJMG’s decision, the practice is prohibited, and the hospital must post posters informing about the prohibition and indicating that users must contact the MPMG ombudsman in case of non-compliance with the injunction.
O State of Minas contacted César Leite Hospital and is awaiting positioning.
