Does Brazil's Decentralized System Improve Primary Care with the Family Health Program?

Abstract

The health sector in Brazil has undergone important changes, particularly with the development of the Sistema Único de Saúde or Unified Health System (SUS). Decentralization is an important principle of SUS and advances have been made in transferring responsibilities and resources to the local government units, known as municipios. The decentralized SUS system has fostered progress in several aspects and areas of healthcare system, especially with the implementation of the Family Health Program (PSF). With the implementation and growth of the decentralized program, The Family Health Program (PSF) has resulted in substantial benefits to the healthcare system, but research shows it does not necessarily improve the primary care services delivered in Brazil.