Sustainability of the co-operative health care

Some 400 co-operative members, experts and political leaders took part in the event, which addressed such challenges as the rising costs of health plan management, the interference suffered by co-operatives, the impact on the sector of increasing judicial involvement, and governance. “The current challenges reflect the impositions on our co-operatives. They are essential actions and sound strategies which tackle the recovery of the cooperative,” emphasized Dr Fares Kamil Hussein, the President of the Mato Grosso Unimed Federation.

During the symposium, organized by the Organisation of Brazilian Co-operatives and the Mato Grosso Unimed Federation, an international panel likewise discussed various co-operative experiences and their relationship with education. OCB President Dr Onofre de Souza said that «co-operative education has the aim of achieving transformation, as the basis for sustainable economic and social development». Fundación Espriu participated in this panel showing its experience and its evolution along more than half century, becoming today a sustainable health care model and the leader of its sector.

The panel addressed the sustainability of the supplementary health system, with the President of Unimed and Vice-President of the IHCO, Dr Eudes de Freitas Aquino, explaining that Unimed co-operatives treat 25% of Brazil’s population. Dr Aquino likewise emphasized the credibility of the system. “We are the 21st most recognized brand in the country, a position achieved thanks to the excellence of our services,” he said, recalling the efforts made to comply with the demanding requirements of the ANS (National Health Agency). “We must have the freedom required by the co-operative movement, and must maintain a healthy relationship between regulator and regulated”.