Lack of collection bags harms ostomy patients in Maranhão Ostomy patients from several cities in Maranhão are complaining about the difficulty in receiving collection bags and other essential materials for treatment. They denounce delays in distribution and demand a solution from the public authorities. An agreement signed in court establishes that the government of Maranhão must transfer resources to purchase the materials. The City of São Luís, in turn, is responsible for purchasing and distributing products to patients. ?? Ostomized people are those who have undergone surgery to create an opening in the abdomen, called a stoma, through which the body eliminates feces or urine. This waste is stored in a collection bag attached to the skin. The ostomy can be temporary or permanent and requires specific care, in addition to the regular use of bags and other appropriate materials. ?Click here to follow the g1 MA channel on WhatsApp Beautician Gisele Santos started using feces and urine collection bags after surgery to treat cancer. According to her, the equipment has not been supplied since December, despite needing to be changed frequently. "I haven't had a bag for seven months. I've been living off donations, the bags, they're expensive for me to buy. I can't afford to buy them and, secondly, they want to give anything away. But each skin is different. There are skins like mine, for example, which have to be a specific one", he explains. The lack of materials also harms a farmer from Arari, who is unable to work normally. He travels to São Luís to collect scholarships from the Coordination of Health Care for People with Disabilities. However, according to the patient, the quantity delivered is insufficient and the model provided is not suitable for the treatment. "They gave me five bags, then this month I came here and they gave me 10. Before I received 20 bags, because I'm from the countryside. But now the woman said she'll only give me 10 and it's not even the bag I use. The one I use doesn't have one and they gave me a different one, which makes me itch", said the farmer. According to experts, irregular use of bags or replacement with inappropriate materials can increase the health risks of ostomy patients. "When the transfer of these bags fails, the patient tries to improvise with inappropriate bags or adhesives, which accelerates the emergence of medical complications that often require hospitalization", explains coloproctologist Marcelo Travessos. Lack of collection bags harms ostomy patients in Maranhão Reproduction/TV Mirante Ostomy Patients Association of Maranhã appealed to Justice The Ostomy Patients Association of Maranhão brings together 1,917 patients. The entity has already had to go to court to guarantee the provision of scholarships. According to the association, the purchase and distribution are the responsibility of the São Luís City Council. The municipality, however, allegedly claimed a lack of resources. “This is the responsibility of the municipality, which has not been fulfilling its role, claiming that it does not have funds. The state of Maranhão was called upon to help and, in a legal agreement, agreed to transfer almost R$1.5 million, money that was passed on. And the problem persists, without the municipality purchasing the bags for those people who are unable to purchase them from the local market, as it is an expensive product", highlights Luís Cláudio Sousa, president of the Association. In 2021, after an agreement mediated by the Courts, the state made a commitment to transfer R$ 1 million annually to the municipality of São Luís. The city hall was responsible for purchasing and distributing the colostomy bags and other supplies for patients in 175 municipalities Maranhenses. But, according to judge Douglas de Melo Martins, of the Diffuse and Collective Interests Court, several hearings have already been held to prevent patients from being left without the products. A new meeting is scheduled for this Thursday (23). Sometimes, it is a problem with the bidding being delayed; sometimes, it is a delay by the State in transferring resources; Sometimes, it is the municipality that has a deficiency in accountability. The fact is that problems arise, and conciliation hearings are held so that impasses involving the State and municipality are resolved, and the Judiciary fulfills its role of mediation and, in some way, people's fundamental right to health is guaranteed", explains judge Douglas de Melo Martins. Lack of collection bags harms ostomy patients in Maranhão Reproduction/TV Mirante Estado highlights problems in accountability In a note, the State Department of Health (SES-MA) informed that the transfer of resources depends on the presentation and approval of the accounts for the amounts previously transferred. According to the Secretariat, the accounts presented by the municipality of São Luís, referring to 2024, showed irregularities. The documentation for 2025 would not have been delivered. Therefore, the municipality would not depend exclusively on the state transfer. The City of São Luís was contacted, but did not respond until the publication of this report.