Residents of Caicubi, a riverside community in the Baixo Rio Branco region of Caracaraí, southern Roraima, say construction of a new Basic Health Unit (UBS) is 1 year and 8 months behind schedule. The project was contracted for R$921,883.84 and is currently halted, according to the report. The old health post was demolished to make way for the new building.
The work order was signed on September 27, 2024, with a 90-day completion period. The clinic was due to be delivered in February 2025. Caracaraí’s city government, which is responsible for the construction, said it had taken administrative steps and notified the company to bring the project back into compliance. Although the sign at the site displays the state government’s logo, the state said the project is not its responsibility.
Health appointments are currently held in accommodation used by the community’s health workers. Community leader Júlio Araújo said the space is too small and lacks facilities for appropriate patient care, including a place to administer intravenous fluids. The community’s health team consists of two nurses and one community health worker.
The local association buys medicines using funds raised through tourism in the area. In emergencies, including injuries involving venomous animals, patients are taken by fast boat to Barcelos, in the state of Amazonas. Araújo said the association pays for fuel because public authorities do not provide it regularly. Low water levels also make navigation and the delivery of supplies more difficult.
A resident who asked not to be identified said a properly equipped clinic is an urgent need for both local residents and the health workers serving them.
Sources: G1.