Institute

Presentation

In september 2005, the Pequeno Príncipe Complex formalized the Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute. This new unit was born with the support of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé, who lends his name and prestige to this initiative.

The historical characteristics of the Pequeno Príncipe Hospital reveal a culture aimed at assistance, teaching and research. In the latter, the efforts were always aimed at the clinical area in which, through partnerships with laboratories, drugs were tested with the utmost attention paid to the ethical and legal questions. Investment in the area of medium term research was foreseen in the strategic planning of the Pequeno Príncipe Complex, with intensification and stimulus given to its enlargement as this is where the sample basis (the patients) is found. The opportunity to anticipate the structuring of a research institute arises in 2005.

The technical-scientific quality of the researchers together with Pelé’s fame have transformed the circumstance into a special opportunity. On one side, the clear awareness that the complex will only go on existing if it manages to present a good performance in the assistance, teaching and research triad. On the other side, the well-known financial difficulties of philanthropic organizations dealing with assistance regarding health (assisting a vast number of patients through the national health service), which lead to attitudes of great conservatism at times of decision making, which, in turn, imply in expenditure and investments with a long-term return. After an intense internal evaluation process, it was opted for the anticipation in the implementation of the Research Institute, thus allowing for approaching and closing the deal with Pelé.

About the Pequeno Príncipe Complex.