Pope Francis donates ventilators to a Hospital of the Province of Brasil Sul-Amazônia
The St. Luke’s Hospital of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), in the Province of Brasil Sul-Amazônia, received support from the Vatican for the fight against Covid-19.
On August 27, Antonio Guizzetti, a representative sent by Pope Francis, was present at the hospital complex to formalize the donation of four respirators and an ultrasound device used for imaging tests of tissues or blood flows.
Antonio Guizzetti was received, in Porto Alegre, by the metropolitan archbishop, Monsignor Jaime Spengler, the rector of PUCRS, Brother Evilázio Teixeira, and the general director of the hospital, Leandro Firme. During the visit, the group visited the facilities of the Hospital, where the study of the test of the coronavirus vaccine is being carried out.
The equipment donated will form part of the Intensive Care Centre which receives exclusively patients with Covid-19. To assist in the care of the disease in the Porto Alegre region, the Hospital has gradually expanded its offer of beds for patients affected by the coronavirus. Currently, there are 46 beds available in the Covid-19 ICU and another 104 units in the infirmary.
According to the Rector of PUCR , Br. Evilázio Teixeira “this act of solidarity from the Church, as well as all the support received from our Archbishop and Chancellor of our University, Dom Jaime Spengler, is fundamental for us to continue to be strengthened and active in our mission of care and promotion of life. For the Hospital’s General Director, Leandro Firme, the donation is an important addition to the institution’s efforts.
According to a statement sent by the Vatican, the Pontiff’s reason for the aid programme is to “find the necessary means to save and cure many human lives,” especially in countries such as Brazil, which is suffering particularly from the Covid-19 epidemiological emergency.
The hospital also received 18 Draeger intensive care ventilators and 6 Fuji portable ultrasound machines were sent to Brazil thanks to the commitment of the Hope Onlus Association.