Evaluation of the retention of medical professionals in Brazil's health regions

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the application of a methodology developed to measure medical professionals in health regions of the country. Therefore, it is a descriptive study of the retention rates of physicians in the health regions of Brazil, from 2009 to 2024. Microdata from the National Registry of Health Establishments – Professionals were used. Annual cohorts were analyzed to assess the number of professionals who remained in their jobs over the years. The results of the analysis showed that the median overall retention rate of physicians in the health regions was 51.0%. Higher retention rates were observed in the health regions of the South and Southeast of the country, while the health regions located in the North and Northeast had the lowest rates. At the level of the federation unit, the highest retention rate was observed in the Federal District (80.4%) and the lowest in Maranhão (39.6%). Intraregional and intrastate inequalities were observed, with higher values ​​occurring in health regions where state capitals are located. This indicates a serious public health problem, which may affect the health services coverage.