Dr. Walter Borges, a Brazilian anesthesiologist, is in a vegetative state following a heart attack he suffered while taking a break from surgery. The incident occurred on May 20 at Pelotas University Hospital in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Borges, 50, was in the middle of an operation when he left the operating room for a bathroom break and did not return. His colleagues found him unresponsive in the bathroom after a search.
Borges' family confirmed his condition to the Brazilian news outlet G1. "He spent more than eight minutes without oxygen," said his brother-in-law, Herik Assis. Medical evaluations have since diagnosed Borges with brain injuries that indicate a vegetative state. A vegetative state, or unaware and unresponsive state, is a specific neurological diagnosis in which a person has a functioning brain stem but no consciousness or cognitive function.
Despite smoking and being the father of two boys, Dr. Borges has no known history of serious medical conditions. He worked for Idec Saúde Ltda., a company that outsources medical services to Pelotas University Hospital. Borges had been working long hours, often between 48 and 72 hours, and also volunteered to assist victims of a recent historic flood in the region.
Heavy rains starting on April 27 caused severe flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, leaving 169 people dead and displacing more than 600,000 residents across 471 cities. Borges, along with other health professionals, traveled to the area to address the shortage of medical staff following the disaster. He had been helping flood victims in addition to his regular duties at the hospital.
The incidence of Dr. Borges is not rare. On May 13, another volunteer doctor, Leandro Medice, a 41-year-old cardiologist, died of a heart attack while aiding flood victims in São Leopoldo. Medice was found unresponsive in his bed after failing to attend a scheduled meeting.
Borges' family has expressed their distress over his condition. "Part of our agony will be calmed," Assis remarked, referring to plans to transport Borges to Linhares, a city in the southeastern state of Espírito Santo. The move aims to bring him closer to his family, who hope to provide him with support and care. "He was born and raised here. His family is from Espírito Santo, and he is there. As a family, we think we can do something."
In addition to his work at Pelotas University Hospital, Borges and his wife, Daianny Ulhoa, who is a dentist, operate their own clinic. Borges' dedication to his profession and community service was evident in his efforts to assist flood victims, highlighting the personal toll on healthcare workers during times of crisis.
Eldorado do Sul, one of the hardest-hit cities in Rio Grande do Sul, experienced extensive flooding that underscored the region's vulnerability to natural disasters. The massive displacement and loss of life have strained local resources, triggering medical professionals like Borges and Medice to volunteer their services.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
