SOPAI HOSPITAL IS THE LARGEST CLINICAL PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL IN BRAZIL AND THE ONLY NONPROFIT IN FORTALEZA.

The SOPAI Philanthropic Children’s Hospital is a high-complexity pediatric healthcare facility that has been ensuring free access to health services for children and adolescents since 1959.

This 100% pediatric philanthropic hospital provides free high-complexity healthcare services for children and adolescents from 0 to 17 years old. Beyond offering essential medical treatment, SOPAI plays a vital role in reducing healthcare access disparities, ensuring that children from all socioeconomic backgrounds receive proper care.

By offering services free of charge, SOPAI becomes an essential pillar for low-income families, guaranteeing equitable access to healthcare and contributing to a fairer and healthier society.

Founded in 1959, SOPAI has approximately 500 beds distributed across pediatric wards, two Intensive Care Units (ICUs)—10 beds exclusively pediatric and 10 for both pediatric and neonatal care—plus 40 inpatient beds dedicated to rare diseases and complex chronic conditions, with or without mechanical ventilation and/or under palliative care. There is also a Mental Health Unit with 25 beds dedicated to psychiatric conditions such as substance abuse and mental disorders in children and adolescents.

Additionally, SOPAI regularly carries out surgical campaigns in partnership with the State of Ceará and the City of Fortaleza, benefiting thousands of children with various surgical procedures.

Our hospital operates with 24/7 emergency care through open-door services, officially registered with Brazil’s Ministry of Health. Around 97% of patient care is provided through the Unified Health System (SUS)—Brazil’s public healthcare system aimed at providing free, universal, and comprehensive access to healthcare for the entire population, regardless of income. Although this model offers effective healthcare, it also presents financial challenges inherent to its structure.

With approximately 240,000 appointments and 36,000 hospitalizations annually, SOPAI relies on a multidisciplinary team including pediatric specialists across multiple fields:

General Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Psychiatry, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Infectology, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric ENT, Pediatric Palliative Care, Pediatric Anesthesiology, Pediatric Nursing, Pediatric Social Services, Pediatric Physiotherapy, Pediatric Nutrition, Pediatric Speech Therapy, and Pediatric Occupational Therapy.

We are also strongly committed to investing in both care and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. SOPAI offers educational opportunities for students in medicine, nursing, social work, physiotherapy, healthcare administration, and more. We also contribute to the training of pediatricians, emergency physicians, and as of this year, have launched a Medical Residency in Pediatric Intensive Care, in partnership with the Public Health School of the State of Ceará.

SOPAI also offers complementary healthcare services, including laboratory and imaging tests, free medications (low to high cost), ambulance transport, air-conditioned facilities, six meals a day for patients and their caregivers, diapers, and personal hygiene kits—all provided at no cost to ease the financial burden on families.

SOPAI PHILANTHROPIC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IS A SANCTUARY FOR FAMILIES FACING THE HEARTACHE OF ILL CHILDREN.

In a reality where many families cannot afford private healthcare or insurance, SOPAI rises as a beacon of hope, offering specialized medical assistance and open doors to the community. Located in Ceará, a state with nearly 9 million residents, SOPAI serves children and adolescents from all 184 municipalities across the state.

SOPAI HOSPITAL: A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR THE PEOPLE OF CEARÁ!