Public Prosecutor's Office tries to prevent layoffs at hospital.

Alagoas 247 - The State Public Prosecutor's Office (MPE) filed a public civil action this Friday (22) against the Municipality of Santana do Ipanema, so that the Court will force the Municipality to immediately start a bidding process for the contracting of a legal entity that will manage the Dr. Clodolfo Rodrigues de Melo Municipal Hospital. At the end of this month, the management contract with the Social Organization (OS) that manages the unit expires and there will be no further extension, which would lead to the mass dismissal of more than 600 professionals from various sectors. With the closure, around 400 people in the region would be left without assistance. 

In its petition to the court, the Public Prosecutor's Office wants the City Hall to be compelled to initiate a bidding process, which should last a maximum of 120 days. While this four-month period runs, the Municipality will be responsible for managing the hospital during this time or for entering into an emergency contract, which is permitted by the Bidding Law.

Over the past 12 months, there have been 5 meetings involving the Public Prosecutor's Office, the City Hall, and the Pernambuco Institute of Assistance and Health - IPAS (the Social Organization that currently manages the health unit). The Municipality committed to carrying out the bidding process, but never did. The Executive branch claims that it sent a bill to the City Council establishing a deadline for a Social Organization to contract with the City Hall. This regulation is important because the Municipality has no rules addressing the issue, basing itself only on federal laws. However, the Legislative branch allegedly shelved the bill, according to the City Hall's claims. Therefore, as the deadline is approaching – it's next week – the Public Prosecutor's Office decided to file the lawsuit. 

It's important to remember that the relationship established between IPAS and its employees is not within the jurisdiction of the Public Prosecutor's Office. The workers are hired under the CLT (Brazilian labor law) regime. They are currently on notice, as the contract with IPAS needs to be terminated according to the law. The Institute has already been managing the hospital for the maximum period allowed by the Bidding Law. The contract was due to end on July 31st.

Prosecutor Hamílton Carneiro will now await the decision of the judge from the district of Palmeira dos Índios.

With gazetaweb.com and press office