The Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas and Biofuels (IBP), through five associated companies - Chevron, Ipiranga, Raízen, Repsol Sinopec Brasil and Shell -, will donate financial resources for the construction of a field hospital in the Leblon neighborhood, in Rio de Janeiro, which will be destined exclusively to receive up to 200 patients from the Unified Health System (SUS) diagnosed with COVID-19. This action reinforces the oil and gas industry's commitment to humanitarian aid in combating the pandemic.

The construction and operation of this new unit will be led by Rede D 'Or, recognized for excellence in medical care, international expertise and highly specialized multidisciplinary teams. The total investment of R $ 45 million will come exclusively from donations from companies, including Rede D'Or, Bradesco Seguros, Lojas Americanas, Banco Safra and IBP. This is already considered one of the biggest actions of the private initiative in partnership with the public power to fight the coronavirus in Brazil.

The Leblon field hospital will have 100 beds for the ICU and another 100 for the infirmary, in addition to a fully equipped structure for consultations and tests focusing on digital tomography, conventional radiology, ultrasound, echocardiography and a clinical pathology laboratory.

The construction will last 30 days and the hospital is expected to operate for four months, a period considered critical with regard to the evolution of the epidemic in the city. 1,000 direct and indirect jobs will be generated. The hospital will be set up on the ground next to the 23rd Battalion of the Military Police, on the Lagoa-Barra highway, which is currently undeveloped. It is a strategic point for the logistics of the city between the South Zone and Barra and can serve different local communities, such as Rocinha and Vidigal.

“We need to find ways to collaborate so that society can overcome this critical moment. The oil and gas industry wants to be part of solutions that contribute to the health of citizens, in partnership with the various agents. Participating in this initiative, in Rio de Janeiro, reinforces our commitment to work incessantly to mitigate the sacrifices imposed on the population in the fight against COVID-19. Such a donation would not have been possible without the effective contribution of our member companies, which we thank. ” says Clarissa Lins, president of IBP.