Pope Francis donates ventilator to Brazil hospital

By Vatican News

Pope Francis donated a ventilator to the Campanha de Marabá Hospital in Brazil, as the number of infections and deaths due to the Covid-19 virus continues to increase in the South American country. 

Expressing his gratitude in a video, Bishop Vital Corbellini of Marabá said that “it was a beautiful charitable action of Pope Francis through the Apostolic Nunciature” which will be used to “save as many lives as possible.”

“We ask that it be used especially for the Indigenous Peoples, because they are the most in need,” Bishop Corbellini told Vatican News.

The Pope’s gift

The respirator, one of four sent by the Holy Father to Brazil, along with a temperature monitor, arrived in Marabá on Sunday. Bishop Corbellini, in turn, presented them to the health facility's coordinator during a small ceremony on Monday, 13 July.

The hospital, which is situated in Pará, has ten beds reserved for indigenous patients who have contracted Covid-19, two of which are currently occupied.

Pope Francis's closeness

“The Pope cares about Indigenous Peoples whose rights are often violated,” said the Bishop, adding that the government does not pay much attention to them.

“Their lands, forests and rivers are occupied, so it is necessary to look after them with affection and help them live well,” he stated.

“Now we have this device that can help save lives. That is why we are delivering it here - to this very important hospital of Marabá,” Bishop Corbellini added.

According to the Department of Health of the State of Amapá, 91 percent of the beds in intensive care are occupied.