[Equity in the health sector: evaluation of public policy in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 1993-1997].
This article evaluates government measures to reduce inequity in the health sector in Belo Horizonte from 1993 to 1997. Our hypothesis is that a municipal administration committed to equity can reduce disparities in health with the support of the Unified National Health System (SUS). The methodology used an urban quality of life index in Belo Horizonte to detect social inequalities in living conditions, as well as differences between the component indices in the infant mortality rate. Other municipal measures were assessed according to the investment resulting from the implementation of a participatory local budget and open planning process. The urban quality of life index appeared to be an appropriate measure for orienting municipal administration. The infant mortality rate proved to be a good indicator for measuring inequality in health. There was a reduction in IMR and mortality reducing gaps in the districts studied. We observed greater investment of physical and financial resources in the districts with the lowest urban quality of life index, and it can thus be stated that the municipal administration reduced the prevailing inequalities.
Núcleo de Investigação em Sistemas de Serviços de Saúde, Instituto de Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 01314-000, Brasil.
Virginia
V
Junqueira
Umberto Catarino
UC
Pessoto
Jorge
J
Kayano
Paulo Roberto
PR
Nascimento
Iracema Ester do Nascimento
IE
Castro
Jucilene Leite da
JL
Rocha
Marcelo Fernando
MF
Terence
Roberta Cristina
RC
Boaretto
Lauro Cesar
LC
Ibanhes
Carlos Tato
CT
Cortizo
Luiza Sterman
LS
Heimann
D001938:Brazil; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009313:National Health Programs; D011788:Quality of Life; D012935:Social Justice; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014504:Urban Health