The government of Tocantins is taking significant steps to bolster its healthcare system and improve social welfare through various initiatives and funding strategies. Recently, the government opened public calls for the temporary hiring of specialists, which includes professionals in obstetrics, pediatrics, neurosurgery, and urology. This move was formally announced via Portaria nº 540/2024/SES, published on December 20, 2024, in the state’s Official Gazette. The primary objective of this public calling is to establish a database of qualified medical specialists to meet the specific needs of the Secretaria de Estado da Saúde (SES-TO), thereby enhancing healthcare delivery across the region.
Healthcare workers engaged through this initiative will receive compensation for insalubrity, which ranges from 8% to 12%, along with night shift bonuses, depending on the regulations established by prevailing legislation. The salaries for these positions are competitive, varying from R$ 7,499.70 to as much as R$ 22,499.40 based on the hours worked.
This healthcare initiative is just one component of broader strategic actions being implemented by the government of Tocantins, spearheaded by Seciju. The year 2024 has seen considerable advancements across several key sectors, including penal system reforms, human rights advocacy, and children’s rights advocacy. These undertakings are part of the governmental commitment to fortifying public safety and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations.
Governor Wanderlei Barbosa emphasized the significance of these initiatives, asserting, “We have worked tirelessly to strengthen the foundations of public safety, human rights, and early childhood development.” He highlighted the investments made to upgrade the police services and the technical equipment available to penal institutions, along with efforts directed at children's protection.
One major aspect of the government's focus has been on improving the penal and socioeducational systems. Significant improvements are evident, starting with the injection of new safety technologies within the penitentiaries, including portable metal detectors and X-ray equipment. These enhancements come alongside improved infrastructure within correctional facilities, such as upgrading classrooms and medical consultation spaces.
Alongside infrastructural enhancements, training programs for penal officers have soared, with more than 13 training courses provided early this year. The courses include everything from personal defense tactics to physical fitness tests, demonstrating the government’s commitment to professionalizing its security forces.
The year has also seen notable strides made concerning human rights. This includes the new law aimed at electronic monitoring of domestic violence offenders as part of efforts to bolster protections for women under the Maria da Penha Law. Action plans were set forth along with the establishment of the Central Monitoring Unit to spearhead these initiatives.
Community engagement is one of the pillars of Tocantins’ strategy, with the government promoting various campaigns to raise awareness and education on children and adolescent rights. These efforts include educational discussions held at schools and public awareness campaigns aimed at mitigating issues such as adolescent pregnancy and safeguarding children during cultural events.
Socioeducational facilities have also not been overlooked, with new educational programming and job training for both incarcerated youth and those who have recently been released from the penal system. This year alone, over 4,200 educational activities were organized, focusing on career-centric skill development. Programs such as bulk cooking and bakery workshops are complemented by rich literature resources, enriching their learning environment.
Another noteworthy initiative includes the construction of the new socioeducational center (Centro de Atendimento Socioeducativo) based in Araguaína, intended to modernize and improve regional juvenile care standards significantly. The project signifies not just infrastructural improvement but also showcases the government's dedication to enhancing socioeducational measures.
Throughout 2024, the Tocantins government has also taken major steps to address the rights of the elderly by establishing the State Fund for the Rights of Older Persons, which aims to promote their health and social inclusion. The community of LGBTQIA+ individuals has also benefited from legal and social advancements by establishing relevant councils and supporting local pride events.
Infrastructure improvements are evident throughout the educational branches of the socioeducational system too, as purchased items have enhanced learning environments across multiple units. This educational focus has not only helped inmates gain necessary skills but has also engaged them socially, promoting cooperation between them and the civil society.
The government has actively promoted its initiatives through strategic collaborations with various organizations, significantly contributing to their overall success. The progress observed not only highlights the dedication of the Tocantins government but also showcases tangible improvements across sectors like healthcare, human rights, and social welfare, fundamentally aiming to uplift the lives of its citizens.
These developments represent more than just policy changes; they embody the Tocantins government’s commitment to fostering environment conducive to health, education, safety, and the upholding of human rights, promising a brighter, more inclusive future for all its residents.
