Brasília - The principal problem detected in an inspection of psychiatric units by the Federal Psychology Council (CFP) and the Human Rights Commission of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) is the way the country's nearly 50 thousand asylum berths are managed, according to Marcos Vinicius de Oliveira, President of the CFP.

Data from the Ministry of Health show that, in a review of 168 units, only 26 provide care that is considered good. "Surveillance is important," affirmed the psychologist. Oliveira informed that a system is being put together to make it possible to investigate all deaths and acts of violence in psychiatric hospitals, "putting an end to impunity with regard to such crimes."

The Minister of Health, Humberto Costa, received the inspectors' report on Friday (20) and said that the document represents an important contribution. "The fight for psychiatric reform is one of this Administration's flagships, and we want to work together with civil society and organized sectors that are seeking the same goal."

The report, released on Tuesday (17), presents the results of surprise visits on July 22 by the OAB's Human Rights Commission and the CFP to 38 psychiatric hospitals in 15 states and the Federal District.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Luciana Vasconcelos
Translator: David Silberstein
08/23/2004