Deputy reveals City Hall’s impasse in releasing Penfigo Hospital to perform first liver transplants in MS – Politics

In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the liver transplant queue showed significant growth, going from 60 people in December 2023 to 80 people in April 2024. This increase in demand for transplants highlights the urgent need to expand the capacity of carrying out this procedure in the state.

After five years of waiting, Hospital Adventista do Pênfigo, in Campo Grande, obtained accreditation from the Ministry of Health in December 2023 to perform liver transplants, for the first time in the state.

On April 17, 2024, the hospital received authorization to carry out the procedure, thanks to an amendment worth R$ 1 million from federal deputy Beto Pereira (PSDB), the hospital was able to purchase essential equipment, such as a surgical table, instruments, kit for organ removal, cardiac output monitor, portable ultrasound, multiparametric monitor, surgical beds and blood aspirator.

Investments that helped improve conditions in the surgical center, ensuring greater safety for patients and reducing the risk of infections by 15%. In addition, the hospital created a specific wing with a procedure room and offices for transplant recipients, providing a specialized environment for pre- and post-operative care for patients.

Beto was visiting the Pênfigo Hospital this Friday morning (26/04) and talking to the patients. Surgeon Gustavo Rapassi is responsible for enabling the hospital to carry out liver transplants. Beto met Gustavo through a patient who was waiting for a liver and kidney transplant and needed it in Sorocaba, in the interior of São Paulo.

The possibility of Mato Grosso do Sul performing a transplant would reduce patients’ anguish, as today the entire procedure is carried out in Sorocaba, in the interior of São Paulo. Patients are forced to join the waiting list in another state.

Another problem is that patients do not always get bus tickets to travel between cities, be able to cover their expenses and those of their companion, and also face delays from public authorities in paying for the trips.

The Hospital is eagerly awaiting the agreement with the city hall to be able to start the first transplants. Beto says that the delay stops ‘saving lives’.

“I have been closely following the plight of patients who need transplants. It is important to highlight the excellent work done by SUS in the interior of São Paulo, which can be perfectly copied by Campo Grande. But there is a trauma that many people go through on their journeys when they arrive at the hospital and the organ is not compatible. The patient already travels weak and comes back more frustrated”, reveals Beto.

Between trips, a 17-year-old patient died during the journey, which raised awareness about the speed of the process. Surgeon Gustavo Rapassi says he is waiting until June to conclude the agreement. Mato Grosso do Sul has already performed 3,989 transplants in the last 10 years.

“In the territory of Mato Grosso do Sul there is no problem paying the agreement for this highly complex service, the difficulty is in execution”, says Rapassi.

Welcome from the medical team

Beto highlights the importance of the reception provided by healthcare professionals at Hospital do Pênfigo in reducing patients’ anguish.

He praises the attitude of the medical team, led by doctor Gustavo, who is exemplarily involved in the cause and offers valuable support to patients, not only through medical treatment, but also with welcoming words that help restore people’s self-esteem. .

“The attitude and guidance of these people is commendable. I want to congratulate Gustavo’s entire team, they are people involved in the cause and who help patients a lot with a friendly word, restoring their self-esteem”, praises Beto.

Hospital do Pênfigo serves around 3 thousand people every month, offering a wide range of specializations ranging from general medicine to orthopedics. The hospital director, Everton Martin, and the orthopedist, Dr. Rodrigo Domingos, emphasize the importance not only of the surgeries and the recovery period, but also of the rehabilitation services offered by the institution.

“Surgery is just as important as the recovery period and the Hospital has rehabilitation. Physiotherapy work is offered to orthopedic patients”, highlights doctor Rodrigo.