More than 300 pilgrims are welcomed by the assistance action of the Metropolitan Hospital
About 30 professionals mobilized to offer the pilgrims massages, blood pressure measurement, cleaning and dressings, in addition to food
On the journey of about 300 kilometers on foot from Cametá, in northeastern Pará, to Belém, the pilgrim Arodinaldo Gaia de Souza, known as "Professor Arogas,” 59 years old, received care offered by the Metropolitan Hospital of Urgency and Emergency (HMUE) this Friday (10). He was among the 344 people assisted at the Assistance and Humanization Reception Point of HMUE, which has been providing support to pilgrims for 14 years.
The team, composed of about 30 professionals, ensured medical care, hydration, food, and guidance to the pilgrims walking towards the capital of Pará to participate in the processions of the Festivity of Nazaré, especially the Círio, on the second Sunday of October. The initiative reinforces the Metropolitan Hospital's commitment to the health and well-being of the devotees.
Professor Arogas, who started participating in the walk with his wife, sees the pilgrimage as a "mental and spiritual detox." According to him, "arriving in Belém gives me a feeling of overcoming, fulfilling a journey, and an indescribable emotion, resulting in happiness and gratitude.”
Círio Operation - The action of HMUE, located in Ananindeua, a municipality in the Metropolitan Region of Belém, is part of the mobilization of state agencies that integrate the traditional Círio Operation, coordinated by the State Department of Public Health (Sespa).
The Reception Point operated in a tent set up in front of the Hospital, with the participation of interns, students, residents, and other professionals from various fields, who ensured free services, including massages, blood pressure measurement, cleaning and dressings, in addition to food. In the last seven years, the action has provided more than 2,200 services to pilgrims.
Among the volunteers was Beatriz Rodrigues de Almeida, 28 years old, a Physiotherapy resident (R1) at the Metropolitan Hospital, who participated in the action for the first time. For her, "it was very emotional to be in a place to provide this assistance. Last year I prayed to be here in this place, and today I thank in the best way: by providing this assistance to the pilgrims."
Strategy - According to doctor and professor Leonardo Ramos Nicolau da Costa, who coordinates the Department of Teaching and Research (DEP) of HMUE, last year there were 363 services provided to pilgrims. He informed that, for more than a decade, "this post was created in front of the Metropolitan to assist pilgrims with basic health needs, such as hypoglycemia, weakness, minor injuries, fainting, cuts, or blisters on the feet."
At the health unit of the Government of Pará, managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), in partnership with Sespa, setting up an external support point prevents pilgrims from overloading the Hospital with less severe cases, allowing the multiprofessional team to focus on more serious cases.
"The 14th assistance action for the pilgrims was a success, with 344 services. It was remarkable to receive pilgrims from various municipalities in Pará. Many walked since Monday. It is very gratifying, as it shows the faith of the people in Our Lady of Nazaré. We are already looking forward to the 15th year of the action," said Leonardo Ramos Nicolau da Costa, thanking everyone who contributed to the success of the action, especially the support from Sespa.
The action to welcome the pilgrims also had the support of the coordinator of the User Service (SAU), Roberta Cardins. For her, "it was a moment marked by solidarity, faith, and care for others. Values that are also part of our daily mission. The team came together in a gesture of welcome and support to those who walk driven by devotion and hope, demonstrating the true spirit of the Círio."
Structure – Managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), the Metropolitan Hospital is a reference in the treatment of polytrauma and burns. The unit has 213 operational beds in the specialties of traumatology, general surgery, neurosurgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and plastic surgery exclusively for burn victims, in addition to ICU beds.
Text: Vera Rojas - Ascom/Metropolitan Hospital
