Brazil's Santa Casa de Misericordia, the largest non-profit hospital in Latin America based in Sao Paulo, announced its suspension of emergency care Wednesday due to a lack of funds.

The hospital owes suppliers 50 million reals (22.6 million US dollars) and lacks basic supplies as suppliers deny more deliveries unless outstanding bills are paid, hospital administrator Kalil Rocha Abdalla told reporters.

"We have no needles, no bandages, so we have no choice but to close," Abdalla added.

Shortly after the announcement, the local government pledged to release some 3 million reals (1.35 million US dollars) to help the hospital resume its emergency care while calling for an audit of the facility's finances.