Bolsonaro’s trip to New York pending medical approval

The doctor who operated on him will conduct the evaluation in Brasília

Published on 18/09/2019 - 16:01 By Pedro Rafael Vilela - Brasília

President Jair Bolsonaro will undergo another evaluation by the medical team of Dr. Antonio Macedo next Monday (Sep 20) before confirming his trip to New York for the opening ceremony of the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). Dr. Macedo was in charge of Bolsonaro’s last three surgeries to treat the injury from a knife attack he suffered last year during a campaign rally.

“The president’s recuperation has been very good. By all accounts, [the doctor] will give his confirmation and we’ll fly to New York on [September] 23,” the president’s spokesman Otávio Rêgo Barros told the press.

Bolsonaro is expected to be undergo exams early on Friday morning (20) and a medical evaluation next. The procedures will take place at Brasília’s DF Star hospital, belonging to the same chain as the hospital where he was admitted in the last few days—Vila Nova Star hospital, in São Paulo.

The president has shown increasing clinical improvement and has followed all medical recommendations—including an appropriate diet, physical therapy, and a light schedule, his spokesman reported. This week, Bolsonaro will work only at the Alvorada presidential residence, and not the Planalto Palace, seat of the Executive branch.

Engagements

President’s schedule on his trip is ready. After the doctors’ permission, Bolsonaro and his entourage will board the plane at the Brasília Air Base on Monday, September 23, at 8 am, and are expected to arrive in the US at 4 pm. The next day, Bolsonaro should meet with UN Secretary-General António Gutérrez. No bilateral meetings with other heads of state have been slated.

According to the president’s office, Bolsonaro’s engagements in New York have been reduced due to his health state. On September 25, Bolsonaro will fly back to Brazil. A connection should take place in Dallas, Texas, where the president will meet with technology executives. No further details have been disclosed.

Translation: Fabrício Ferreira -  Edition: Bruna Saniele / Nira Foster

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