Coopersaúde denies any link to a corruption scheme.
In a statement sent to Bahia 247, signed by its president, Paulo César Rocha, the cooperative not only denies participation in the scheme to embezzle public funds in Camaçari, but also states that it does not even operate in the management of health units; read the full statement.
Bahia 247 - Denounced by 'Fantástico', on TV Globo, on Sunday (8), for participating in a scheme of irregularities Based on allegations of bribery and embezzlement of public funds in Camaçari, a city in the Salvador Metropolitan Region, Coopersaúde (Health and Related Services Cooperative) denies involvement in the alleged improper practice.
In a statement sent to Bahia 247, signed by its president, Paulo César Rocha, Coopersaúde not only denies participation in the scheme, but also says that it does not even operate in the management of health units. The full statement is below.
Clarification Note
Coopersaúde is an association that has been operating in the healthcare market for 17 years. It brings together approximately 2.000 active members, including doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals. It is registered with all professional category councils in the field and with the Organization of Cooperatives of the State of Bahia (OCEB).
Regarding the report broadcast on the Fantástico program, on Rede Globo, this Sunday (8), Coopersaúde clarifies that it does not maintain any Health Unit Management contracts and much less Emergency Contracts – those entered into without bidding – with municipalities.
Coopersaúde maintains contracts to supply labor in the health sector with six municipalities in Bahia, all resulting from regular public tenders that have already been analyzed and approved by the oversight and control bodies of the municipal administrations.
To clarify any doubts raised by the report, we reiterate that the doctors who are members of the Cooperative are paid for 12- or 24-hour shifts. The amounts paid per shift to our members are, in fact, on average significantly higher than what is paid in other states.
Regarding the statement by Mr. Mário Luciano, included in the report, we clarify that he is not and has never been a director of Coopersaúde, and therefore has no power to represent the Cooperative.
Coopersaúde and its associates publicly reaffirm their support for any and all initiatives that aim to inhibit, prevent, and ban practices that violate the law, especially so that errors and illegal acts eventually committed by a few are not generalized to an entire sector that has contributed for years with its work to improve the provision of health services in Bahia and Brazil.
Salvador, December 10, 2013.
PAULO CESAR Q ROCHA
COOPERSAÚDE PRESIDENT