On May 25, 1959, the Sociedade de Assistência e Proteção à Infância de Fortaleza (Society for the Assistance and Protection of Children of Fortaleza), known as SOPAI, was founded.

On April 18, 1962, its bylaws were officially registered at the Pergentino Maia Notary Office, in the Registry Book of Legal Entities No. 09, page No. 233, under registration number 1,579.

Due to the importance of its services provided to underprivileged children and youth from various neighborhoods in the Barra do Ceará region, as well as children from other areas and municipalities surrounding the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza, SOPAI Philanthropic Children’s Hospital was officially recognized as a Public Utility institution by:

• the Municipal Government of Fortaleza on July 2, 1963,
• the State of Ceará on October 9, 1967, and
• the Federal Government of Brazil on January 31, 1973.

After the passing of Dr. Luís França, the presidency of SOPAI was assumed by his son and successor, Dr. João França Neto, also a pediatrician. Through his dynamic leadership, the institution became more streamlined in fulfilling its mission. He amended the bylaws, expanded operational areas, established agreements with public authorities, and implemented support and isolation wards for infectious diseases.

Furthermore, the hospital now includes mental health beds, making it one of the leading pediatric institutions in Brazil in this area. SOPAI has also formed partnerships with similar associations and community leaders, always supported by local child protection councils.

Working alongside President Dr. João França Neto, the hospital’s executive team includes:

• Luís Eugênio França Pequeno, CEO;
• João Luís França, Administrative Director;
• Dr. Eugênio Albuquerque Pequeno, Director of the Imaging Center;
• Dr. Ricardo Sidou, Technical Director;
• Dr. Christian Queiroz, Clinical Director of SOPAI.

At the headquarters of SOPAI Pediatric Hospital, preventive medicine services are offered to children in the community, with 97% of the care provided through the Unified Health System (SUS).

SOPAI Philanthropic Children’s Hospital provides healthcare services to underprivileged children and adolescents aged 0 to 17 from Fortaleza and other municipalities across the state of Ceará.