Abstract
Inequalities in access to health, reflecting shortages and inadequate geographical distribution of health professionals, have been indicated as a challenge for Brazil. This paper analyzes the geographical distribution of professionals of the Mais Médicos Program allocated in the Northeastern Region of Brazil, through a descriptive cross-sectional study. Secondary data provided by the Health Ministry were used, and thematic maps of distribution of doctors in the Region were prepared. Data on 4,716 doctors who became members of health teams in 1,294 municipalities in six Indigenous Health Districts in the years 2013 and 2014 were analyzed. The greater part of the municipalities of the Region received between one and five doctors. The municipalities most benefited had, at least, 20% of their population in extreme poverty. 99.9% of the doctors were allocated in a Health Center or Primary Healthcare Unit. The majority were women (57%), predominantly of the 45-49 age group (24%). In spite of the advances achieved by the Program - such as distribution of the doctors in locations with greater vulnerability - some States continue to have significant shortages of healthcare.
Highlights
This paper analyzes the geographical distribution of professionals of the Mais Médicos Program allocated in the Northeastern Region of Brazil, through a descriptive cross-sectional study
The inequalities in access to the health services arising from the shortage and inadequate geographical distribution of health professionals, especially doctors, has been pointed out to be a serious problem, persistent over time and resistant to the most varied strategies adopted to face it in the majority of countries[1]
This study aims to analyze the geographical distribution of the doctors participating in the PMM in the Northeast, to provide a picture of the geographic and social-demographic characteristics of this provision, and contribute to the discussion about strengthening of primary healthcare
Summary
The inequalities in access to the health services arising from the shortage and inadequate geographical distribution of health professionals, especially doctors, has been pointed out to be a serious problem, persistent over time and resistant to the most varied strategies adopted to face it in the majority of countries[1]. Various strategies have been put in place for provision of doctors in the public health services, such as the Program for Interiorization of Health and Water Services (Programa de Interiorização das Ações de Saúde e Saneamento – Piass); the Program for Interiorization of the Single Health Service (Programa de Interiorização do Sistema Único de Saúde – Pisus), and the Program for Interiorization of Health Work (Programa de Interiorização do Trabalho em Saúde)[5] As well as these strategies, interns were put in place in undergraduate faculties in the health area in rural situations[1] and, more recently, the Program to Value Basic Healthcare Professionals (Programa de Valorização do Profissional da Atenção Básica (Provab)[6]. This study aims to analyze the geographical distribution of the doctors participating in the PMM in the Northeast, to provide a picture of the geographic and social-demographic characteristics of this provision, and contribute to the discussion about strengthening of primary healthcare
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
