Brazil

Brazil’s National Health Plan (Plano Nacional de Saúde) 2020–2023 focuses on strengthening the Unified Health System (SUS) through universal health coverage, primary care expansion, and improved governance. It prioritizes digital health transformation, health financing sustainability, and epidemiological surveillance to enhance service delivery and efficiency. Key progress includes expanding primary healthcare units (UBS), increasing access to essential medicines, and integrating telemedicine. Investments in health information systems and digital tools have improved patient care coordination. However, challenges persist, including regional disparities, financial constraints, and healthcare workforce shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated efforts to expand emergency response capacity, yet hospital overcrowding and resource allocation inefficiencies remain concerns. The plan emphasizes reducing waiting times, strengthening mental health services, and addressing chronic disease burdens. Efforts to optimize public health spending and increase private sector involvement aim to enhance financial sustainability. Despite improvements, fragmented governance, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and high out-of-pocket expenditures continue to challenge healthcare accessibility and equity. While the plan has reinforced health system resilience, its success depends on continued investment, better coordination among federal and regional health authorities, and long-term policy commitment to ensure sustainable and equitable healthcare access​.