President of Brazil opened HOSPITALAR and
highlighted the importance of healthcare to the country



The official opening of HOSPITALAR 2008, held in the morning of June 10th, convened the most important political authorities and healthcare leaders, headed by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and by the Minister of Health, Dr. José Gomes Temporão. They opened the fair alongside Dr. Waleska Santos, President of Hospitalar, a ceremony to mark the most important edition ever held.

Dr. Waleska Santos opened the solemnity highlighting that this 15th edition marks one of the most important moments of healthcare in our country. She affirmed that “after many years of investment and constant work to consolidate this event as a linchpin in healthcare, all we have to do is celebrate. To start with, there is the fact that we have removed barriers and contributed with a broader acceptance of the Brazilian market of medical products and equipment. By providing hospitals and users with the access to what is best worldwide, we end up stimulating national industries to better off their own performance. These companies have become more competitive, seeking for partnerships and joint-ventures that have definitely modernized the Brazilian industry of healthcare products and equipment”, she said.

In addition to that, Dr. Waleska Santos pointed out that it’s important to celebrate the healthy growth and consolidation of the national industry. “Each year this sector surpasses its production levels and its participation in the internal market, and at the same time it sets solid paths in exports. But the most important role played by HOSPITALAR throughout these 15 years was the one as the bond of the whole sector, which had been dispersed until the early 1990’s. Throughout its editions, our fair has broadened its influence range, becoming a great management forum and meeting point to all those who decide and develop healthcare policies in Brazil.”

The President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted that he could see in HOSPITALAR a sector that has recovered the pride for what it does and that is willing to do even more. He affirmed that the healthcare industry has regained confidence and growth, just as happened to other sectors, such as navy, petrol, shoes and automotive industries. “I recall the way all of them were crying and, today, we notice that the industries have found again the path to grow. Brazil has found itself. And if Brazil works out right, Latin America will also do. The Brazilian industry may be the leader of this market, as it occurred in the 1970’s. We must recover our position. There is still a lot to be done, but nowadays we are a developing country in upward trend.”
The President closed his speech challenging the sector: “If we know how to invest, produce and create more demand, we will have the largest healthcare fair in the world. Let’s lead Brazil into recovering its development level.”

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