Resident healthcare professionals report that they have gone a month and a half without receiving payment.
The National Association of Resident Physicians (ANMR) has already received more than 200 reports of non-receipt of the R$ 2.800 payment in March.
Brasil de Fato | São Paulo (SP) - Healthcare professionals who began their residency program in March are reporting that the government has not yet paid their stipends. The National Association of Resident Physicians (ANMR) has already received more than 200 reports of non-payment of the R$ 2.800 monthly allowance. A shared table was created on social media for people to report whether the stipend is being transferred; so far, more than 500 have stated that it is not.
These accounts bring together doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, and other diverse health professionals who work within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). The residency program requires professionals to work exclusively within this program, making it very difficult for them to have a second income.
Last week, a document reporting the situation was presented to the external committee of the Chamber of Deputies that deals with the coronavirus. Deputy Alexandre Padilha (PT-SP) is one of those responsible for questioning the Ministry of Health about the delay in payment. On Wednesday (15), ANMR had a meeting with members of the ministry.
In an interview with the UOL news portal, residents reported that they are experiencing many difficulties. Some said they are responsible for ensuring the purchase of food and other basic items for their families.
"I told my father to relax, that I would help him. And also that he shouldn't leave the house [during the pandemic]. So I will help them in any way I can, but without the scholarship," said Franciellen Ferreira, a 29-year-old occupational therapist doing her residency in the city of Campinas (SP).