Major Investment in Public Health Infrastructure
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially inaugurated the new 24-hour Emergency Center (Centro de Emergência 24h) at the Federal Hospital Cardoso Fontes in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The event, attended by Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha and Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes, signifies a crucial advancement in the ongoing restructuring of federal hospitals in the state.
The modernization of the unit received a federal investment of R$100 million, with some reports indicating total investments reaching R$114.4 million. Additionally, the hospital is slated to receive R$610 million annually for the operational costs of its medium and high-complexity services. This initiative is a result of a partnership between the federal government and the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, formalized in December 2024, which also involved the municipalization of the hospital's management.
Enhanced Capacity and Services
The new emergency center is set to significantly boost the hospital's capacity and quality of care. Key improvements and expanded services include:
- A tripling of the emergency department's capacity.
- The reopening of 40 beds.
- The reactivation of a pediatric Intensive Care Unit (CTI) with 10 beds.
- Expanded surgical rooms.
- A 57% increase in professional staff.
- The new center features eight consulting rooms and six risk classification rooms.
- Expanded services for ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and laboratory analyses.
These enhancements have already shown tangible results, with hospital production between 2024 and 2025 seeing a 70% increase in surgeries, a 75.1% rise in hospitalizations, a 90.8% surge in emergency care, and an 84.3% increase in imaging exams. The bed occupancy rate at the hospital reached 98% in 2025, a notable increase from 63% the previous year.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
During the inauguration, President Lula emphasized the importance of accessible and dignified healthcare for all citizens. 'This is not a favor, this is respect,' he stated, adding, 'This is a public hospital... so that anyone who arrives here, no matter how humble, can be treated as if they were the President of the Republic, with respect, dignity and have access to the best things we can offer.' He also criticized the historical political manipulation of federal hospitals, highlighting that the new management model aims to rectify this.
Mayor Eduardo Paes underscored the significance of the municipalization of the Cardoso Fontes and Andaraí hospitals, noting the federal government's commitment to fully fund these units. Minister Alexandre Padilha affirmed that the new emergency center would operate continuously, stating it 'opens today and will never close.' The Federal Hospital Cardoso Fontes is recognized for its specialized services in oncological physiotherapy, gynecology, nephrology, pulmonology, urology, and treatments for pediatric renal insufficiency. This inauguration marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the public health system in Rio de Janeiro, promising improved access and quality of care for the population.
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