Drauzio Varella declares support for Lula

Renowned physician Drauzio Varella has publicly declared his support for President Lula for the first time in his 83 years. During a live broadcast organized by Federal Deputy André Janones, Varella explained that he had previously avoided partisan politics to focus on medical practice and public health education.

Varella cited concerns regarding the potential for a future administration to follow the health management model of former President Jair Bolsonaro. He described such a scenario as “a tragedy,” specifically referencing the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, the oxygen crisis in Manaus, and the promotion of chloroquine. He also criticized anti-vaccination sentiments that gained traction during the previous administration, noting they undermined decades of public health awareness.

Additionally, Varella dismissed proposals by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro to provide a standard of care similar to the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein to all citizens, labeling the promise as unrealistic and deceptive. He emphasized the vital importance of the Unified Health System (SUS), noting that approximately 150 million Brazilians rely exclusively on public healthcare services.