The Federal Court of Maranhão decided to block R$688,000 from the municipal health fund in the municipality of Mata Roma, about 180 kilometers from the capital, São Luis. Withholding was made at the request of the Federal Public Prosecution, after proving that false data had been entered into the outpatient information system, regarding post-Covid-19 patients rehabilitation procedures, in the period. January Until May 2022. 
According to the measure proposed by the MPF, Mata Roma has a population of just over 17,000 and has 652 cases of COVID-19, but in the months January In April this year, the Municipal Health Fund registered a total of 34,000 post-coronavirus rehabilitations in the SUS outpatient information system. Based on this information, the National Health Fund has transferred just over R$743,000 to the municipality.
According to the MPF, during this period there were only two physiotherapists in the municipality, which means that each of these professionals performed more than 250 consultations per day, taking into account Saturday🇧🇷 Sunday and vacation.
The Public Prosecutor, Jurassic Guimarães, who is in charge of the procedure, said that the violation was also determined by the Ministry of Health and the Controller General of the Federation. CGU analysis indicates that, based on actual data, the Municipal Administration of Mata Roma should receive only R$55,000 in the period to carry out rehabilitation measures for post-COVID-19 patients.
Because of similar problems, 33 other municipalities in Maranhão are being investigated by the Federal Public Ministry. We contacted the Mata Roma municipal administration, but did not receive a response.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
