Padilha says the government has prioritized basic healthcare.

Carolina Gonçalves
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia - Health Minister Alexandre Padilha warned deputies and senators today (19) that the debate on increasing resources for the health sector must include measures to control and monitor spending and clearly foresee the destination of this money. During a thematic session in Congress to discuss ways of financing the area, Padilha defended more investment in primary care and explained that the government has prioritized the sector and achieved historic results, according to him.

“Healthcare begins before the hospital, in primary care, with health workers, nurses, doctors, and nutritionists. Not only have we increased per capita investment in the last ten years, but states and municipalities have also allocated more resources, and we have increased resources for primary care, the supply of medicines and vaccines,” he said, highlighting that investments in primary care were greater than those made within hospitals.

Padilha said that Brazil achieved the goal of reducing infant mortality four years ahead of schedule, as defined by the Millennium Development Goals, and explained that with investments in prevention, the country has significantly reduced the need for hospitalizations. "It's necessary to take care of people's health, not just diseases. We introduced new vaccines that have reduced diarrheal diseases among children by 30%," he exemplified.

In response to criticism regarding adjustments to the fee schedules of the Unified Health System (SUS), the minister assured that the values ​​have been reviewed annually. According to figures from the ministry, 96 procedures were adjusted in 2011, 164 procedures in 2012, and 63 procedures in 2012.

"Since 2003, the federal government has complied every year with what is established in Amendment 29. The Union's investments have led to a 66% increase in per capita investment in the health sector," he explained.

Padilha also defended the More Doctors Program, stating that millions of Brazilians still lack access to medical care in the country. "The More Doctors Program is the first step towards a profound transformation of the public health service and is the most courageous step."

The "Mais Médicos" (More Doctors) program is one of the projects under analysis in the National Congress, which is also considering proposals that would guarantee, for example, 10% of the government's gross revenue for the health sector.

The president of the Senate, Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL), pointed out that the reality in many health units across the country is characterized by long lines, neglect, discomfort, and a lack of doctors and medications. “The situation most painfully affects the population with lower purchasing power. The public health system has, in addition to its legal responsibility, a moral commitment to the less fortunate.”

Edited by: Talita Cavalcante