Inequalities in the provision of hospital care in the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil: an integrative review

una revisión de la literatura

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic raises concern about the responsiveness of health systems around the world. In Brazil, several studies analyzed this issue from the provision of health services and resources to meet the cases of SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to analyze the inequalities in the provision of hospital resources of the Brazilian health system to meet the severe cases of COVID-19. A literature review was carried out from March to December 2020, primarily in the area of Collective Health, focusing on regional distribution and the public-private relationship of hospital supply. The studies indicate significant inequalities in public-private arrangements and in the regional distribution of the supply of resources analyzed in the most diverse spatial scales (Large Regions, Federation Units, Health Regions, Metropolitan Regions and Municipalities). Inequalities are significant even in regions historically privileged by hospital resources. Segmentation and interdependence in supply between the public and private sectors impose serious limitations to confront COVID-19 in Brazil and deepen the country's health inequalities.