Residents block a section of BR-364 in a protest that has lasted two days in the interior of Acre
Around 50 protesters have blocked the BR-364 highway in Feijó, Acre, demanding improvements in healthcare and renovations to the city's general hospital.
For the past two days, approximately 50 residents have been demonstrating by blocking a stretch of the BR-364 highway at kilometer 490 in the municipality of Feijó, located in the interior of Acre. The protest, which began on Friday, October 20, continues into the weekend as demonstrators seek urgent improvements in healthcare services and the renovation of the local Hospital Geral. The protest is significant as it highlights ongoing frustrations within the community regarding healthcare accessibility and quality, especially in remote areas.
Authorities from the Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF-AC) report that while the highway remains blocked, they are managing the situation and allowing vehicles to pass intermittently. They have stated that priority is given to vehicles carrying sick individuals and essential transport. PRF-AC officials have emphasized that their teams are present to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the protest, maintaining public safety and order amidst the disruptions.
Despite the protests, there is currently no timeline for when the highway will be fully reopened. The ongoing blockade reflects broader issues related to public health infrastructure in Brazil, particularly in rural regions where access to quality medical facilities is limited. The community's demand for enhancements to healthcare—specifically for the Hospital Geral in Feijó—underscores persistent challenges faced by residents and represents a call for urgent government action and investment in local health services.