Lula promises free weight-loss medication via SUS amid tight election

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced that the Brazilian public health system (SUS) will provide weight-loss injectable medications free of charge to patients with obesity. The announcement was made during a visit to a Eurofarma manufacturing facility in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais.

This move comes amid a tightening presidential campaign, with recent Datafolha polling showing Lula at 46% against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro at 44% in a potential runoff. The president also signed an increase to the Bolsa Família social assistance program, a move the opposition has criticized as an attempt to purchase votes.

In addition to healthcare promises, Lula emphasized the strategic importance of critical minerals and rare earth elements for Brazil's future development. He stated that a special council would be established to ensure that Brazil maintains control over its raw materials and avoids total dominance by Chinese or American interests.