Previne Brasil Program: analysis of the implementation process in a Southern region county

Abstract

The Brazilian Health Ministry launched in 2019 a new financing policy for Primary Health Care, Previne Brasil Program, which has required municipalities to adapt. The research aim is to analyze the implementation of the Previne Brasil Program in a southern region county. Characterized as an analysis of public policies, the methodology included interviews and document analysis. The results were organized into six sub-themes: municipal law and the Program's evaluation and monitoring commission; bonus system; changes in work processes; main difficulties; social participation; and future expectations for Primary Health Care. During the implementation of the Previne Brasil Program, significant changes can be observed in the work processes, stimulated by the goals and indicators established, and also by the transfer of resources to professionals through individual bonuses. By adopting a managerial perspective, the changes in the financing of Primary Health Care point to the detachment in relation to the Unified Health System principles and guidelines, such as universality, integrality and social participation. The Program’s implementation at municipal level can lead to the focusing of health actions, relativization of the local analysis of health situation and centralization of the planning processes.