'I Am Not Sick, The President Did Not Ask Me to Resign, but I Will Leave as Soon as He Asks,' Says Pazuello

Centrão presses for minister to leave amid Covid's unbridled escalation in the country

Natalie Cancian

The Minister of Health, General Eduardo Pazuello, said on Sunday (14) that he does not have any health problems and that, for now, he continues to head the portfolio.

"I am not sick, the president did not ask for me to resign, but I will step down as soon as the president asks. I will continue as minister health and continue fighting the coronavirus and saving more lives," he said in a statement distributed by his advisers.

Brazilian Health Minister General Eduardo Pazuello (Photo by EVARISTO SA / AFP) ORG XMIT: ESA1111 - AFP

According to the newspaper O Globo, Minister Pazuello asked to leave alleging health problems. Folha confirmed that Pazuello told Bolsonaro that he has heart problems and did not recover 100% from Covid-19, a disease he contracted in October.

Under pressure by the worsening novel coronavirus pandemic, President Jair Bolsonaro seeks a replacement for General Eduardo Pazuello. If the exchange is confirmed, the country will have its fourth minister in just over 12 months of the pandemic.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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