In an emotional ceremony held this Tuesday, Beatriz Perales, president of the Spanish Association of Orphan and Ultra Orphan Drug Laboratories (AELMHU) was recognized with one of the most prestigious awards in the healthcare sector, the VIII Healthcare Awards for Women's Leadership in Healthcare.
These awards, given each year by Redacción Médica, highlight women who have stood out for their leadership, innovation and commitment to improving the healthcare system in Spain.
Our president, with a professional career of more than 20 years in the pharmaceutical field, received the award from Lourdes Martínez-Berganza Asensio, vice-president of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians(Semergenv), and Montserrat Chimeno Viñas, president of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine(SEMI). In his speech of gratitude, Perales expressed his deep gratitude both to the members of the jury and to Redacción Médica, which has made the eighth edition of these awards possible.
"I would especially like to congratulate all the people who are receiving an award today. This award is not only mine, but that of all those who contribute to the improvement of patients' health, especially those suffering from rare and ultra-rare diseases," thanked Beatriz Perales upon receiving the award.
In addition, she highlighted her role as president of AELMHU, thanking all the people who have been part of the association for almost 15 years, during which time the organization has worked to improve the quality of life of people affected by rare diseases. She also took the opportunity to also thank the companies that, within this "big family", invest in research and development of innovative treatments and its director, Marian Corral.
In a very personal moment of his speech, he also had a few words of affection and tribute to his mother, who has been his source of inspiration both professionally and personally. "I have been fortunate to have a mentor, not only in life, but in my profession: my mother. This award is also, in part, yours, Mom," she said emotionally.
To conclude, and in the framework of the celebration of the week of World Rare Disease Day, the president of AELMHU wanted to send a message of support to patients, families and caregivers of people with rare diseases. "I wish that the ignorance and rarity of their diseases does not make them invisible in our society," she concluded.
The recognition of Beatriz Perales is a well-deserved tribute to her tireless work in improving access to treatment for patients with rare and ultra-rare diseases, as well as her contribution to female leadership in the healthcare sector.
