Members of Parliament express concern about Teich's participation: "completely lost"

By Christiane Peres, for 247 - The current Minister of Health, Nelson Teich, tried to explain, but did not detail how he will contain the advance of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country in his first participation in the virtual meeting of the External Commission for Preventive Actions against Coronavirus of the Chamber of Deputies. In the conversation that took place this Thursday (7), Teich tried to explain actions that have been developed since he took over the command of the ministry, on April 17, but did not detail how he will reverse the situation in Brazil, considered the new epicenter of the world pandemic.

"What we are doing is integrating existing information to create indicators that didn't exist before, so that we can have a system and understand what is happening," he said, a day after Brazil broke its second record for deaths registered in a single day, with 615 new deaths.

In addition to the difficulties in acquiring ventilators, Nelson Teich and his secretaries reported the delivery of 3 beds for the care of infected patients and stated that by September, 46 million tests should be delivered to states for the detection of cases. 

However, he did not explain why only 13% of this number has been distributed so far, nor how he intends to acquire them. Before the committee, Teich also reported that he had ordered more than 14 ventilators from national companies, with a delivery of 200 units per week to each state. At this rate, however, the states would only receive all the devices in 2021.

The minister also preferred not to comment when questioned about his view of President Jair Bolsonaro's presence at recurring demonstrations. He adopted the same stance when asked about the number of deaths recorded in the last two days and how he will ensure an increase in ventilators, a shortage of which is already evident in most states. 

Regarding the ministry's recommendation on the need for social isolation, Teich once again dodged the question. 

“We have to evaluate each case. It’s a decision for each state and municipality, locally. There is no general measure. Because otherwise, we’d be lumping everything together. And that can’t be,” he said evasively, a day after defending lockdowns in places where the disease is already responsible for 90% of hospital bed occupancy.

In their criticism, many members outlined their concerns. 

For Congressman Márcio Jerry (PCdoB-MA), however, the Minister of Health “did not offer any encouragement at the External Committee meeting” and seemed lost. “He reported difficulties and did not explain how he will concretely deliver the testing kits, nor the ICU kits. Totally lost. That's the impression he leaves every time he speaks,” Jerry stated.

“We are in a very serious moment. The whole world is watching us because of the advance of the pandemic. And I hope that we can overcome the feeling of being orphaned. You are part of a government where the messages from the head of state are cold. Symbolism affects behavior and kills. That is why it is so important to know your opinion on the matter,” said federal deputy Jandira Feghali (PCdoB-RJ). 

The calls for social isolation were also reinforced by Congressman Dr. Zacharias Calil (DEM-GO). He stated that it was important for the Ministry to "carry out a campaign talking about the need for social isolation." This measure was also reiterated by Congressman and former Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha (PT-SP).