PRIVATIZING UNIVERSALISM IN THE BRASILIAN HEALTH SYSTEM AND THE NOW WE HAVE SPECIALISTS PROGRAM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.14185Keywords:
Health Systems, Unified Health System, Supplemental HealthAbstract
The article aims to reflect on the Now We Have Specialists Program, in light of the concept of Privatizing Universalism in the Brazilian health system, and to analyze its conduct. The program, published by the Ministry of Health, aims to expand service capacity and reduce the queue of patients in the Unified Health System (SUS). Considering the health policies introduced by the program, involving health plans and private hospitals, it is necessary to analyze this program in light of the theoretical framework on Privatizing Universalism, which involves an assessment of the relationship between public and private in the Brazilian health system. The concept concerns the way in which universality has been achieved, through the universalization of the private component. The policies brought by the program are highlighted, as well as the main challenges. It was found that the program should not be considered a dimension of Privatizing Universalism as it does not involve an increase in private spending on health, does not generate tax exemptions, does not promote the expansion of health plans, nor does it transfer functions and responsibilities from the public to the private sector. Furthermore, it seeks more resources for the SUS, reducing disparities in access to health services and placing the private health sector at the service of the Brazilian population. It is essential to monitor the repercussions of the program and its results in reducing health inequalities, especially with regard to the discrepancies currently existing in the distribution of resources and the use of services between regions of the country and between the public and private health segments.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Danielle Conte Alves Riani Costa, Ligia Bahia, José Felipe Riani Costa, José Luiz Riani Costa

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