Acre Biomedical Professional Investigated for Workplace Harassment; MP Recommends Suspension

A biomedical professional at the Manoel Marinho Monte Hospital in Plácido de Castro, Acre, is under investigation for alleged workplace harassment against colleagues. The investigation, initiated by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Acre (MP-AC), stems from multiple complaints detailing behaviors deemed incompatible with a healthy work environment. The MP-AC has formally recommended the State Health Secretariat (Sesacre) to provisionally suspend the biomedical professional, identified as José Wagner de Melo Maia, and to initiate an administrative disciplinary process. The recommendation was issued by the Civil Justice Prosecutor's Office of Plácido de Castro and requires a response within five business days. Sesacre confirmed that the case is being handled by the Committee for Prevention and Confrontation of Moral Harassment, which will conduct an initial review. If warranted, the committee may proceed with a formal inquiry or a Disciplinary Administrative Process (PAD). The MP-AC believes the professional's continued presence could jeopardize the psychological well-being of other staff and hinder the investigation. The MP also urged that the hospital administration be notified and that a PAD be opened, ensuring the accused has the right to present a defense. Sesacre has ten days to report its decision on the recommendation and, if accepted, to provide documentation of the disciplinary process initiation. Moral harassment is defined as repeated conduct that exposes a worker to humiliation, distress, intimidation, or disrespect, potentially impacting their dignity, mental and physical health, and professional performance. Signs include behavioral changes, anxiety, loss of confidence, isolation, and decreased productivity, with victims often taking time to recognize the situation.