Family Alleges Medical Negligence After Woman Dies Following 8 Public Healthcare Visits

The family of Esther Aparecida Ramos De Oliveira Santos, a 32-year-old woman, is alleging medical negligence after her death in Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. Santos reportedly sought medical attention eight times through the public healthcare system between June 25 and July 9. Her initial visits on June 25 and June 28 at the Municipal Emergency Room were for flu-like symptoms and pneumonia. Despite receiving medication and undergoing chest X-rays, her condition did not improve, and she reported worsening symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, and arm numbness. On July 1, a visit to the UBS São José basic health unit indicated her condition was severe, prompting a return to the emergency room on July 2. An ambulance was called to her home on July 2 due to a significant decline, where she reported pain below her ribs. A doctor reviewed her prior X-ray, questioned the pneumonia diagnosis, and suggested anxiety or gallstones, recommending an ultrasound. She underwent the ultrasound and returned to the emergency room on the same day, but was again told her symptoms were likely due to anxiety and was discharged. Further visits on July 3 and July 6 involved intravenous fluids, medication, and observation, with the latter visit leading to a suspected pulmonary embolism diagnosis and transfer back to the emergency room. Despite presenting with shortness of breath, chest pain, and arm pain, she was discharged again. Santos died at home on July 9. Her death certificate lists an undetermined cause. She is survived by two young children, aged four months and three years. The Civil Police are investigating the case, and the Araçatuba City Hall has requested information from the managing entity of the emergency services. The case will be reviewed by the Municipal Mortality Committee.