Health Minister Pazuello hung out to dry by his military allies

Eduardo Pazuello took office as Brazil’s Health Ministry under the worst possible conditions. It was July 2020, and President Jair Bolsonaro had just jettisoned not one, but two Health Ministers who — as trained physicians — refused to support his delusional defense of unproven treatments to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. The president brought in Army General Pazuello, who allies describe as a “good military officer” with a “mission to obey” orders from his superior.

Now, Mr. Pazuello’s future in the cabinet has become very uncertain indeed, as has his military career.

For his alleged role in causing the health crisis in the city of Manaus, Mr. Pazuello has been placed under investigation by the Supreme Court. The Health Ministry was reportedly warned of an impending shortage of oxygen in Manaus hospitals, which culminated in horrific scenes of Covid-19 patients suffocating in intensive care units. 

As the national face of the health collapse, Mr. Pazuello is set to be made a scapegoat as the administration works to...