Privatizing Universalism in the Brazilian health system and the Now There Are Specialists Program

This article reflects on the Now There Are Specialists Program (PATE, acronym in Portuguese) in light of the concept of Privatizing Universalism in the Brazilian health system. The program, presented by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, aims to expand its capacity to provide care and reduce patient waiting lists in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese). Given the health policies introduced under the PATE, which involve health insurance plans and private hospitals, it is essential to analyze the Program based on the theoretical framework of Privatizing Universalism, which assesses the relationship between the public and private sectors in the Brazilian health system. The concept refers to the way universality has been pursued, through the universalization of the private component. The article identifies the policies introduced by the PATE, as well as the main challenges. The study found that PATE should not be considered a dimension of Privatizing Universalism because it does not increase private health spending, generate tax exemptions, promote the expansion of health insurance plans, or transfer functions and responsibilities from the public to the private sector. In addition, it seeks to secure more resources for the SUS, reduce disparities in access to health services, and place the private health sector at the service of the Brazilian population. It is essential to monitor the repercussions of the PATE and its results in reducing health inequalities, especially regarding the discrepancies that currently exist in the distribution of resources and in the use of services between the country's regions and between the public and private health sectors.