Juraci Rosa Alves, 88, from Emilianopolis, was admitted to Santa Casa de Presidente Bernardes Hospital in Sao Paulo state on 16/5 due to respiratory failure. After an examination, a doctor confirmed his death. Alves’s body was then released to his family for transport to a funeral home in Presidente Prudente.

Funeral home staff received the body following standard procedures. However, as they prepared Alves for embalming, they noticed movement in his abdomen.

Jacqueline Brogiato, the funeral home supervisor, stated that staff initially questioned if the movement indicated breathing. Minutes later, after confirming the elderly man still had vital signs, Brogiato immediately cleared his airway and provided respiratory support. "When the medical team arrived, the doctor immediately intubated him to transfer him back to the hospital", Brogiato said.

Santa Casa de Presidente Bernardes Hospital in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Photo: Daily Star

The news that the elderly man was alive shocked his family. A relative mentioned that her aunt and cousin were preparing funeral documents and clothes but noted an unusually long wait.

Alves is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Santa Casa de Misericordia de Presidente Prudente Hospital and is in stable condition.

Carlos Alberto Carneiro, the Alves family's lawyer, cited treating physicians who noted that a lack of proper medical care could have worsened the 88-year-old man's condition.

Local police have opened a case file, accusing the doctor who initially confirmed the death of failing to provide assistance to a person in danger. The management of Santa Casa de Presidente Bernardes Hospital stated it has launched an internal investigation and is ready to provide information to clarify the incident.

By Ngoc Ngan (Daily Star)