BRAZIL: New medical facilities inaugurated
UniSalesiano and Santa Casa Hospital inaugurate outpatient and diagnostic building
(MissionNewswire) UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in Araçatuba, Brazil, collaborated with Santa Casa Hospital to inaugurate a modern outpatient and diagnostics building. The project was made possible thanks to the Mais Médicos (More MDs) program, which promoted a medicine course at the university.
During the inauguration ceremony, Father Paulo Jácomo, vice rector for pastoral care, and Msgr. Sérgio Krzywy, bishop of Araçatuba, led a moment of prayer and blessing. Dilador Borges, mayor of Araçatuba, stressed the importance of the collaboration between the university and the hospital. “This is why we have done our part, trying to reduce the bureaucracy. Let’s join forces to build even more,” he said.
Father Erondi Tamandaré, director general of UniSalesiano, noted that the Salesians are one of the largest educational agencies in the world and that every day they dedicate themselves to millions of young people, mostly in need.
According to Professor André Ornellas, vice rector for teaching, research and postgraduate courses, the Salesian University and Santa Casa Hospital will foster an entire model of excellence in health care. “Collaboration with the municipal and hospital health care also comes with the medicine course. In this case, the Salesian University invests in the single health system with infrastructure projects and the purchase of new equipment.”
Dr. Antônio Poletto, coordinator of the medicine course, added that one of the objectives is to have an impact on the public health network. He highlighted the renovation of the building that now houses the Auxilium Specialized Health Center, where Salesian medical students are trained. He said, “All this and much more will certainly benefit the local population and our students. They are modern facilities and able to better serve a greater patient capacity in Araçatuba and the region.”
Brazil has one of the strongest economies in Latin America and is an important agricultural and industrial power in the region. Just over 15 percent of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.
Inequalities also exist in access to education and educational efficiency. These inequalities are greatest for children and youth who are poor, live in rural areas or who have an incomplete compulsory education. Salesian missionaries working with poor youth and their families in Brazil develop programs and provide youth opportunities for furthering their education and skills.
###
Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Brazil – “UniSALESIANO” finances opening of new outpatient building in Araçatuba
Salesian Missions – Brazil
World Bank – Brazil