Gastos públicos em saúde com o setor privado complementar ao SUS no município de Natal/RN

Abstract

Introduction: The Unified Health System (SUS) ensures universal and free access to public health services, allowing for complementary participation by the private sector through contracts and agreements to expand the supply and guarantee the legal principles regarding health care. To this end, it grants municipalities autonomy in planning and managing local health care, including the contracting of private services. In the municipality of Natal/RN, public resources have been used to establish partnerships with private institutions, aiming to complement the SUS network and guarantee comprehensive care for the population. Thus, this study aims to analyze how Natal has used these resources to contract private services to complement the SUS. Objective: To analyze municipal public health spending with private institutions, from the perspective of complementarity to the SUS. Methodology: Descriptive-exploratory-retrospective study that analyzed, through the Annual Management Reports (RAG), public spending on private healthcare providers complementary to the SUS in the municipality of Natal, between 2021 and 2023. Results: The RAGs reveal a progressive increase in the use of municipal public resources to complement specialized services, with an emphasis on the area of ​​high complexity and medical workforce, in addition to financial concentration in a few providers. Final considerations: It is essential to evaluate private sector spending to ensure efficiency and appropriate use of public resources. In addition, it is important to ensure transparency in management processes and strengthen social control and public trust. As a strategic measure, strengthening primary care is essential to reduce the demand for specialized services, promoting health as a social right and public policy.