Senate approves Wadih Damous for the presidency of the ANS by 38 votes to 20.

247 - The Senate approved on Tuesday (19) the nomination of Wadih Nemer Damous Filho to preside over the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS). The name of the former federal deputy received 38 votes in favor and 20 against in plenary. The rapporteur of the nomination (MSF 87/2024) was Senator Sérgio Petecão (PSD-AC).

The ANS, linked to the Ministry of Health, is the regulatory body responsible for standardizing and overseeing health plans in the country. Its board of directors is composed of four directors and a president, all with non-coinciding five-year terms. Damous assumes the position left vacant by Paulo Roberto Vanderlei Rebello Filho, whose term ended in December 2024.

Advocating for greater integration with the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System).

During the hearing at the Social Affairs Committee (CAS), held on the 13th, Wadih Damous highlighted the importance of integrating exams and data from the public system and the private network, such as the SUS Digital.

— This integration is necessary and historically demanded in the sector. I reiterate my commitment to strengthening ties with the Ministry of Health, aiming to benefit the Brazilian population. The SUS (Unified Health System) is a national asset and there should be no absolute separation between the public and private sectors. Greater integration is necessary for the benefit of those who need it most. — he declared.

Trajectory

A lawyer and master in Constitutional Law, Damous was president of the Rio de Janeiro section of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) between 2007 and 2012, chaired the Rio de Janeiro Truth Commission (2013-2015) and led the OAB's National Human Rights Commission (2014-2015). Currently, he holds the position of National Consumer Secretary, linked to the Ministry of Justice.

[With information from the Senate Agency]