After complaint, Justice blocks State resources The Maranhão Court ordered the blocking of R$ 2.4 million from the State Government's accounts to guarantee the supply of ostomy bags and other supplies to patients treated in São Luís. The amount must be transferred to the Municipality, responsible for purchasing and distributing the materials. The decision also establishes that supplies available in stock are delivered within 24 hours and that missing models are purchased and made available to patients within 13 days. The decision was taken by judge Douglas de Melo Martins, from the Diffuse and Collective Rights Court, after a conciliation hearing between the State and the City of São Luís ended without an agreement. ? Click here and subscribe to the g1 Maranhão channel on WhatsApp According to the magistrate, it was found that an agreement previously signed between the two public entities was not complied with. By understanding, the State would make annual transfers to assist the municipality in purchasing supplies intended for ostomy patients. However, the lack of accountability prevented new transfers in the last two years. In addition to blocking state resources, the decision also determines the blocking of the same amount in the accounts of the City of São Luís. If the determinations are not complied with, the judge established that the case be forwarded to the Public Ministry of Maranhão to investigate any act of administrative improbity by the managers responsible. Read also: Lack of collection bags harms ostomy patients in Maranhão Patients report difficulties Court orders blocking of resources from the State and City Hall to guarantee bags for ostomy patients Reproduction/ TV Mirante While the impasse between the State and the municipality continues, patients claim that they face months without receiving the necessary materials for treatment. Without receiving ileostomy bags for four months, João Evangelista says he depends on donations to maintain daily care. He underwent nine surgeries after complications caused by severe diverticulitis and today uses the bag permanently. "We are experiencing these four months of donations from friends who have passed away and many people who can afford it are buying the bags to help." Another affected patient is Rita Alves, who is undergoing cancer treatment and also depends on ostomy bags. According to her, purchasing the materials on her own is not a viable alternative due to the high cost. "The cost of the materials is too high to afford alone." The Association of Ostomy Patients of Maranhão reported that 1,917 patients are represented by the entity and are waiting for supply to be regularized. Not all models are available During the hearing, it was also highlighted that some of the materials are in stock, but do not always meet patients' needs. According to the Public Defender's Office, some bags available are not compatible with all types of stoma and, in some cases, the products remain stored in the City Hall's warehouse, instead of being available at the Center for Comprehensive Health Care for the Elderly (Caisi), where supplies are dispensed to registered patients. "When the municipality says it has a grant, it actually does, but it's not suited to all people's characteristics and problems. It's there for some and it's not for others." What the State and City Hall say g1 requested a position from the City of São Luís on the lack of accountability highlighted in the court decision and on the new court rulings, but did not receive a response until the last update of this report. The Government of Maranhão was also contacted to comment on the decision and had not yet commented.