Acre, Brazil, has launched a new initiative to improve medical transport services for critically ill patients in isolated regions by introducing an aircraft equipped as an air ICU. This plane began operations on Friday, October 20, from Tarauacá airport and is now part of the state's aeromedical service. The implementation of this service is crucial due to the difficult accessibility of many municipalities, which rely heavily on the public health system, Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

The state government allocated R$ 34 million for this medical aircraft, aimed at providing urgent and emergency care, along with patient transfers to more complex hospitals located in larger cities like Rio Branco. The areas targeted include remote municipalities such as Marechal Thaumaturgo, Santa Rosa do Purus, Jordão, and Porto Walter, which often experience isolation, especially during certain seasons when road access is limited. This significant investment highlights the commitment to addressing healthcare disparities in rural regions.

The introduction of this air ICU is expected to significantly reduce transport times between isolated municipalities and healthcare facilities, thereby improving patient outcomes and ensuring timely medical intervention. This project reflects an important step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Brazil's remote areas, ultimately benefiting residents who have been underserved due to geographical barriers.