Castanhal Regional Hospital Expands Access to Specialized Health Care in Northeast Pará
Care at the unit emphasizes oncology and surgeries in other specialties, benefiting patients from 38 municipalities
Just over four years ago, the Castanhal Public Regional Hospital (HRPC) became a landmark in health care for residents of the Northeast region of Pará. A reference in medium and high complexity care, in its first two years of operation, the unit almost exclusively treated patients diagnosed with Covid-19.
Starting in 2023, its care profile began to emphasize oncology, benefiting patients from 38 municipalities by offering diagnosis, treatment, and support with quality and humanization.
Among the surgeries offered are maxillofacial, head and neck, digestive system, plastic, and thoracic surgeries, as well as in the specialties of Dermatology, Mastology, Neurosurgery, Oncogynaecology, Urology, and Vascular. HRPC also has a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support Service that performs exams and procedures such as biopsies, magnetic resonance imaging, tomography, and chemotherapy sessions.
Hemodialysis and Research - The advancement of services is constant. In 2023, the unit implemented chemotherapy, a 24-hour Transfusion Agency, a Central Material and Sterilization, a Surgical Center, and a Renal Replacement Therapy Service (hemodialysis). In 2024, the Teaching and Research Center (CEP) was established, opening up opportunities for internships for higher education students.
In January 2025, the Hemodynamics Service began operations, performing minimally invasive diagnostics and treatments in the neurological and interventional radiology areas. The expansion reinforces the Hospital's commitment to providing more access to cutting-edge services for the population.
For 2026, the implementation of the Radiotherapy Service is planned, which will make HRPC even more comprehensive in oncology care.
Care that Changes Lives - A resident of Castanhal, Andreia Alves, 39, began treatment for breast cancer at HRPC in January 2025. She underwent surgery and is now undergoing chemotherapy sessions. Her trust in the Hospital came from her previous experience with her father and brother, who were also treated at the Regional.
“Here is a reference for the treatment of various types of cancer. I never imagined I would go through this as a patient, but since I started coming here, I realized how human and welcoming everyone is. From the doorman to the doctors, everyone is kind and makes us feel safe,” she stated.
For Andreia Alves, having treatment close to home makes all the difference. “I can come for consultations and sessions, and still take my daughter to school. If I had to go to Belém, that would be impossible,” she added.
Another patient who highlights the quality of care is beautician Jeannefer Barbosa, 34, who is completing treatment for breast cancer, which began in October 2024.
“Having the Regional in Castanhal makes it much easier for those who live here and in neighboring cities. I did radiotherapy in Belém, and it was very exhausting to face the traffic every day. Now, I only do follow-ups at HRPC, where I feel welcomed. Everyone is very attentive to me. I am almost being discharged, and I will always be grateful,” she reported.
Like Andreia and Jeannefer, patient Marcelo Nunes dos Santos, 52, a resident of the municipality of Curuçá (northeast Pará), also found at HRPC the care that transforms lives. For over a year, he has been undergoing hemodialysis and gets emotional when talking about the affection he receives from the team. “They are my second family. Without them, I wouldn't be able to face this treatment. I come to Castanhal, and whenever I can, I even pamper everyone. I bring fruits, fish, chocolate. I love them all, and I am very grateful for what they do for me,” Marcelo shared.
According to the director of HRPC, Patrícia Hermes, each new service implemented expands the population's access to specialized, humanized care that is closer to patients. "In recent years, we have had the satisfaction of inaugurating seven new services in our unit, each one to meet the real needs of the population. These deliveries represent more than structural expansion: they mean facilitated access, specialized care, and humanized support, close to those who need it most. Our commitment is to continue advancing, strengthening the public health network, and ensuring that every patient finds here support, quality, and resolution," the manager emphasized.
Text: Patrícia Baia - Ascom/HRPC
