Military stems Rio health crisis

The military field hospitals also offer dentistry

The Brazilian air force has opened a field hospital in Rio de Janeiro following a major healthcare crisis.

The government announced a state of emergency 10 days ago, seizing control of six of the city's major hospitals and asking the army to help out.

The unprecedented measure was prompted by lack of medicines and staff shortages, leading to thousands of people queuing for exams and surgery.

The city's hospitals are usually run by the Rio municipality.

Forty military doctors have been deployed to run the makeshift hospital, consisting of seven air-conditioned tents and mainly intended to treat minor ailments.

They are expected to attend 400 patients per day.

Political row

Two similar camps should be set up by the navy and army later this week.

The Ministry of Health has also brought in extra medical personnel from other towns and cities.

Sergio Cortes, whom the government appointed special commissioner for the emergency, described his mission as a "war operation".

The issue has also turned into a political squabble.

Rio Mayor Cesar Maia, who is at the centre of the crisis, was due to run for president in the 2006 presidential elections, possibly challenging the re-election of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Mr Maia's Liberal Front Party (PFL) alleges that the government's decision to take control of the hospitals is a political move aimed at discrediting the would-be president.