Dr. Eric criticizes the management model of UPAs in Ponta Grossa and warns about the future of UPA Uvaranas

The councilor and physician Dr. Eric made harsh criticisms of the management model adopted in the Pronto Atendimento Units (UPAs) of the municipality during an interview with BNT NEWS on Monday (28). According to him, the outsourcing of these units has compromised both the care of the population and the working conditions of health professionals.

During the conversation, Dr. Eric was categorical in stating that if the future UPA Uvaranas is opened with the same model of the other units – UPA Santa Paula and UPA Santana, both outsourced – it is “fateful to failure”. “As much as the city says that everything is beautiful, wonderful, those who are inside know that they are not. The people are suffering and the professionals are exhausted,” said the councilman.

Dr. Eric also highlighted the precariousness of the working relationship of doctors, who are hired as legal persons, in a process of "quarter-sharing". According to him, this practice generates instability and high turnover among professionals. “They work for a while and leave. They have no bond, they have no stability,” he explained.

Motion passed, but mayor resists

In order to try to reverse this scenario, the councilman presented a motion in Câmara Municipal asking that the city desist from outsourcing the new unit and opt for the realization of a public tender for the hiring of doctors, nurses, nursing technicians and other health professionals. The motion was passed unanimously among the councilors, but found resistance on the part of the Executive.

“The mayor has already made it clear, behind the scenes, that she is against this proposal. She defends the outsourcing model, claiming lack of resources to maintain competing servers. But I completely disagree. The issue is a priority. If there was recourse to buy a land of R$ 12 million, there was more economic option that was refused. So there is money, what is lacking is direction,” he said.

Consultancy hired for R $ 200,000 generates revolt

Another point that caused outrage in Dr. Eric was the hiring of an external consultancy for R$ 200,000, without bidding, to assist in the management of health in the municipality. “I am a doctor, an expert in hospital administration, I am here for free and I have never been called to give my opinion. This shows how health is treated with distancing by the current administration,” he criticized.

Relations with the mayor and political independence

Despite the differences with prefeita Elizabeth Schmidt, Dr. Eric said he maintains a respectful relationship with the Executive. He acknowledged that he supported the manager in the second round of the last elections, by party orientation, but made it clear that he acts with independence in the House. “My commitment is to the people. I always sought dialogue, went to the mayor's office, made myself available. But I was never called to take care of the health of the city,” he said.

Proposals and future of health

For the councillor, the path to improve care in UPAs passes through a change in the management model. “It’s no use making a beautiful structure. If there is no system that guarantees dignity and career for professionals, we will continue with queues, overcrowding and unmotivated professionals. We need a public hearing,” he said.

Dr. Eric also criticized the decision of the Municipal Secretariat of Health to prohibit competing servers of the Basic Health Units from acting in the UPAs. “We have experienced professionals who could be contributing a lot, but they are not taken advantage of in the right way,” he said.

To conclude the interview, the councilman thanked the space granted by BNTV and reinforced the commitment to public health. “My office is always open. I want to go back to the studio and talk more calmly. And I congratulate you for your serious work, with relevant guidelines and accessible to the population,” he concluded.

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