Ministry of Health

Ministério da Saúde, MS

The Health Ministry was created on July 25, 1953 as the Ministry of Education and Health, now it is divided into three bodies: Health (MS) and Education (MEC) and Culture (MC).

The Office of Science, Technology and Strategic Inputs of Ministry of Health is responsible for implementing policies of pharmaceutical assistance; for testing, evaluating and incorporating technologies in the National Health System (SUS); and for developing the industrial and scientific fields of Brazil. 

With the support of other ministries and public institutions, the Office coordinates the policy of the Health Industrial Complex related to public services of health. These actions benefit the increase of the pharmaceutical and health devices industry, besides health technologies. Therefore, Brazilian government wishes to make the country more independent of the international market.

Promoting research is the foundation in order to conquer this independence. Since 2003, Ministry of Health, in partnership with Ministry of Science and Technology and federal and local research institutions – such as FINEP, CNPq and Capes – have been investing R$ 700 millions in 3,6 thousands studies about challenges of the public health in Brazil. More than 400 academic institutions have led these activities.

In addition, it’s important to mention the work in the field of institutions linked to Ministry of Health. This is the case of 

• Oswaldo Cruz Foundation ( Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz), 
• National Cancer Institute ( Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Inca), 
• National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic ( Instituto Nacional de Traumatologia e Ortopedia, INTO) and 
• National Institute of Cardiology ( Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia, INC).

Website:  Ministério da Saúde