Patient with brain tumor and meningitis dies waiting for INSS benefit in Acre

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A resident of Tarauacá, Maria Edna dos Santos Feitosa, died this Monday (27) in Cruzeiro do Sul, while awaiting the process of granting an INSS benefit. She faced serious health problems, including a brain tumor, hydrocephalus and bacterial meningitis.

For around three months, Maria Edna waited for the medical evaluation necessary to analyze her benefit request. Even though she was hospitalized and underwent complex head surgery, the administrative procedure was not completed, leaving her rights unanswered.

The city of Tarauacá currently does not have an expert doctor available, forcing patients to travel to other municipalities to undergo the examination, which mainly harms those who live in rural areas. Attempts at punctual service, such as visits by itinerant teams, were not enough to meet all local demand.

The case generated outrage in the community and drew the attention of the authorities, who requested urgent measures from the INSS, such as monthly joint efforts or carrying out examinations via videoconference, to prevent people in a similar situation from continuing to be unassisted.

Full note from councilor Veinha do Valmar:

“As a councilor of this municipality, I publicly express my deepest repudiation of the INSS’s delay and disregard for our population. Months ago I filed a request for an expert to be appointed to assist our residents here in the municipality, avoiding displacement, suffering and unfair delay in the processes of those who need it most. To date, I have not received any response or action. Unfortunately, in the last few days, a resident of our city, voter and citizen who was awaiting analysis of her benefit, died from a tumor in her head while her case remained stalled and undecided. She died awaiting a right guaranteed to her by law.

I cannot remain silent in the face of such negligence. The absence of an expert in the municipality is not just an administrative failure: it is a lack of respect for sick citizens, it is the weakening of human dignity. It is unacceptable that lives are put at risk due to slowness and institutional silence.

I reinforce my appeal and my demand: our people deserve dignified, urgent and humane care. I will not accept this case being treated with indifference. I will continue to demand until the INSS fulfills its duty and respects the population of this city.”