The relation between public and private in a health region: influences on the organization of medium complexity supply and demand in small municipalities served by the Brazilian National Health System

This study analyzes how the relation between public health managers of small municipalities (SMs) and providers of the supplementary private system influences the organization of supply and demand of medium complexity actions and services (ASMC) in a health region formed by small municipalities. This is a qualitative case study conducted from December 2016 to February 2017. The results show that the influence of the relation between managers and providers in the supply and demand of ASMC is related to characteristics involved in three main categories: specialized medical care, contracting of services, and system management. Among the characteristics of the categories mentioned are the “ market reserve ” by a closed group of medical professionals and providers; contracts executed according to the system rules; and the fact that public health medical professionals are the private providers of ASMC in the region themselves; among others. The influence of the relation between public and private on the organization of supply and demand prioritizes municipal resources for ASMC and demonstrates the fragility of the health region planning process and the role of the government. In this context, primary health care is revealed as a policy neglected by public administration
Source: Saude e Sociedade - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research