President Luiz INácio Lula da Silva has been discharged from Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, after undergoing emergency surgery for intracranial hemorrhaging. The presidency announced his release on December 15, 2024, following several days of treatment after he was hospitalized on December 10.
Lula was admitted after experiencing headaches linked to complications from his fall at home back on October 19, which resulted in serious bleeding between the skull and brain. During his hospital stay, procedures were performed to drain the hematoma and embolize blood vessels to reduce the risk of future bleeding. Recovery took priority as the president underwent continual monitoring.
At the press conference marking his release, Dr. Roberto Kalil Filho, the president's cardiologist, along with other members of his medical team including neurologist Rogério Tuma and neuro-surgeon Marcos Stávale, provided details on Lula's impressive recovery.
“O quadro foi extremamente acima do esperado. Para minha felicidade e de toda a equipe, ele está de alta hospitalar,” expressed Dr. Gremoglio during the announcement, highlighting how well Lula had responded to treatment.
While Kalil emphasized the difference between hospital discharge and full medical clearance, clarifying, “Ele está de alta hospitalar, não alta médica,” he reassured those present about Lula’s ability to resume some activities. “Ele está estável, caminhando, se alimentando, falando normalmente. Ele teve um pós-operatório muito bom, dentro do que se esperava,” he confirmed, reflecting on the positive outlook.
After his discharge, Lula is required to remain in São Paulo for several days for follow-up care, including upcoming examinations scheduled for December 19, including imaging tests to monitor his recovery. The medical team specified physical exercises will be prohibited for the next few weeks as they continue to assess his health.
Lula, visibly optimistic post-surgery, made a surprise appearance at the press briefing, expressing gratitude for the medical support and addressing the public. “Agradeço as pessoas que rezaram, as pessoas que ficaram pedindo a Deus para eu sarar. Aqueles que também tinham ódio estão perdoados, porque eu estou aqui vivo, inteiro e com mais vontade de trabalhar,” he stated, projecting his intention to fully commit to his duties as President.
His tumultuous relationship with his medical team is underscored by historical ties; Dr. Rogério Tuma, son of the controversial ex-senator Romeu Tuma, oversaw day-to-day medical care for Lula. This relationship adds layers of complexity, recalling the historical connections during Brazil's military dictatorship where they first intersected.
Lula and Romeu Tuma’s paths crossed during the highly charged political climate of the 1970s and 80s, when Lula was imprisoned for advocating labor rights within Brazil—a time of significant political repression. Nonetheless, Lula has recounted his experience under Romeu Tuma’s authority as one marked by dignity, where he was allowed leniencies such as visiting his ill mother. This remark too, feeds the narrative of forgiveness and resilience echoed throughout Lula’s address.
“Estou firme e forte! Andando pelos corredores […], conversando bastante, me alimentando bem e, em breve, pronto para voltar para casa e seguir trabalhando e cuidando de cada família brasileira,” he shared through social media, emphasizing his readiness to get back to work, leaving no doubt about his commitment to the Brazilian people.
Throughout his medical ordeal, Lula remained transparent, sustaining communication with the populace, and vowing to dominate the political arena just as he managed to overcome this health hurdle. The road to recovery included taking time off from physical exertion, emphasizing the importance of medical advice, and showcasing the focus on health and governance.
Following his exit from the hospital, Lula's determination to fulfill his duties continues to resonate among supporters and skeptics alike, indicating the stronghold he maintains on Brazil’s political stage as he looks forward to the challenges and responsibilities of leadership, expressing confidence to wrap up his term with honor akin to his first presidency.
With follow-up appointments on the horizon, Lula is poised to maintain vigilant health management as he returns to his rightful place within the halls of power, potentially beginning as early as this coming week.
