The project for the new Padre Eustáquio Hospital Health Complex (HoPE) was announced last week at the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Health and Peace, the Church of Blessed Father Eustáquio. The public unit will be the most modern in the country.

The project launch was attended by the Archbishop of Belo Horizonte, Dom Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo; the Governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema; state secretaries, deputies, advisors and technicians, as well as the rector of the Sanctuary, Father Edmar Oliveira, SS.CC.

With free 100% services, HoPE will have an integrated public health infrastructure, bringing together five lines of care – oncology, infectious diseases, pediatrics, hematology, maternity and women's health – and the Central Public Health Laboratory of Minas Gerais (Lacen/MG). The initiative seeks to accelerate medium and high complexity exams and procedures, providing higher quality care.

Governor Romeu Zema highlighted the importance of the project. "It will be a modern unit that will replace four old hospitals, which today face many operational and bureaucratic challenges," the governor explained.

Archbishop Walmor recalled a passage from the Gospel where Jesus teaches his disciples – “You did not choose me, but I chose you” – instructing them to bear fruit. Then, Dom Walmor explained that Christ's disciples have the mission of bearing fruit, citing the powerful example of Blessed Father Eustáquio. Dom Walmor emphasized that Father Eustáquio, through his ministry, taught that health and peace are pillars for a good life. He recalled that, since 2006, when the priest was beatified, Dom Walmor has invited the faithful to greet one another with wishes for health and peace. The Archbishop assessed that the Padre Eustáquio Hospital Health Complex will support many people, especially the poorest.

The rector of the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Health and Peace, Father Edmar Oliveira, sscc, expressed joy at the announcement of the project, stating that it will be a benefit to the population and, at the same time, a sign that the legacy of Father Eustáquio, always dedicated to the promotion of health and peace, remains alive.

The new health complex will be built by the Government of Minas Gerais through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), initially with 532 new beds, with all services provided by the Unified Health System (SUS). Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with an inauguration planned for 2029.

*with information from Agência Minas and the Archdiocese of BH
**Photos: Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Health and Peace**