[Primary health care policy in Brazil: notes on Federal regulation and funding].
This article analyzes the Federal implementation of primary health care policy in Brazil from 2003 to 2008, considering the government functions of health planning, regulation, financing, and health services delivery. The methodology included literature and document review, interviews with key policy actors, budget analysis, and health database analysis. The analysis showed a reduction in direct Federal health services delivery and weaknesses in Federal planning. Federal performance mainly involved regulation, based on norms linked to financial mechanisms. As for funding, the results showed a slight increase in the share for primary care in the Federal budget, adjustments, and creation of new incentives, some aimed at equity. Although some progress occurred, a remaining challenge is to reconfigure the Federal regulatory model and ensure a greater supply of resources for primary health care in Brazil.
Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Santa Catarina 930, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. analuisasb@yahoo.com.br
Ana Luisa Barros de
AL
Castro
Cristiani Vieira
CV
Machado
D001938:Brazil; D035082:Federal Government; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence