Anvisa president demands retraction from Bolsonaro on insinuation against agency

The president of Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency), Antonio Barra Torres, released a note this Saturday (8) in which he refutes insinuations by President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) in relation to the agency’s alleged hidden interests in vaccinating children.

Barra Torres demanded from Bolsonaro the determination of investigation, if he has information about it, or retraction.

“If you have information that raises the slightest indication of corruption on this Brazilian, don’t waste time or prevaricate, Mr. President. Determine an immediate police investigation on my person, in fact, on anyone who works today at Anvisa, which I proudly I have the privilege of being a member”, wrote the president of Anvisa.

“Now, if you have no such information or evidence, exercise the greatness your office demands, and by the God you so often cite, retract.”

On Thursday (6), Bolsonaro said he did not know a child who had died from Covid-19, repeated side effects of immunization and asked parents not to be carried away by what he called propaganda.

“The very Anvisa that approved it also says there that the child can feel, right after the vaccine, shortness of breath and palpitations. , said the president, in an interview with Rádio Nordeste, from Pernambuco.

Experts point out that vaccination for children against Covid-19 is effective and safe, and that its benefits outweigh possible risks.

According to data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance System (SIVEP-Gripe), from the beginning of the pandemic until December 6, 301 deaths of children between 5 and 11 years old by Covid-19 were recorded in the country.

“And you are going to vaccinate your child against something that the young person by himself once catching the virus, the possibility of him dying is almost zero? What is behind it? What is Anvisa’s interest behind it there? of those people who are obsessed with vaccines? Is it for your life? Is it for your health? If it were, they would be worried about other diseases in Brazil and they are not”, said the Chief Executive.

In this Saturday’s note, Barra Torres said he had never given false testimony.

“I’m going to die without knowing wealth, Mr. President. But I’m going to die dignified. I never appropriated what wasn’t mine and I don’t even intend to do that, ahead of Anvisa. to my character.”

The director has a mandate in charge of the agency until 2024, that is, he cannot be dismissed by the President of the Republic.

Bolsonaro made the insinuations against Anvisa a day after the Ministry of Health announced vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 years. THE leaf sought out the Planalto Palace on Saturday night and is awaiting a demonstration.

Read the full note released by Barra Torres:

“Mr President, as General Officer of the Navy of Brazil, I served my country for 32 years. I guided my personal life in austerity and honor. Honor to my family that, with all kinds of difficulties, allowed me to have access to the best education possible, for the only child of a nursing assistant and a railroad worker.

As a doctor, Mr President, I have tried to keep reason ahead of feeling. But I suffered with each loss, regretted each failure, and insisted on being myself, the bearer of the worst news, when death took a patient from me. As a Christian, Mr President, I sought to fulfill the commandments, even though I embraced the career of arms.

I never bore false witness. I will die without knowing wealth Mr President. But I will die worthy. I never appropriated what wasn’t mine and I don’t even intend to do that, in front of Anvisa. I really appreciate the moral values ​​that my parents practiced and that through their example I was able to add to my character.

If you have information that raises the slightest indication of corruption on this Brazilian, don’t waste time or prevaricate, Mr. President. Determine an immediate police investigation on my person, by the way, on anyone who works today at Anvisa, which I am proud to be part of.

Now, if you don’t have such information or evidence, exercise the greatness that your position demands and, by the God you quote so much, retract. We are fighting the same enemy and there is still a lot of war ahead. Reviewing a wrong speech or act will not diminish you in any way. Quite the opposite”.