THE PRIVATIZATION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN BRAZIL: CONSIDERATIONS ON THE ATTACKS ON THE UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM

Abstract

This article investigates the impacts of the privatization of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil and its implications for the Unified Health System (SUS). Starting from the contextualization provided by the Federal Constitution of 1988, which recognizes health as a right for all and a duty of the State, the study focuses on the subsequent administrative reforms that have influenced the management of public health in the country, with special emphasis on PHC. The main objective is to assess both the potential benefits and the risks and challenges associated with the privatization of PHC within the context of the SUS. The methodology employed consists of a systematic review of recent literature, covering studies published between 2018 and 2024, with a focus on the practices and policies of PHC privatization. The results indicate that, despite promises of greater efficiency and innovation, privatization has led to negative impacts on service quality, shifting the focus from user well-being to profit. It concludes that, although the privatization of PHC may seem beneficial in theory, in practice, it tends to compromise the principles of equity and universality of the SUS, requiring a reevaluation of public policies involving private health management.