Territorial approach, process of SUS regionalization and financing of the thematic networks

Abstract

Objective: To systematize the main characteristics of the ordinances that guide the transfer of resources to the obstetric and neonatal care network (Stork Network), the Emergency Care Network (UCA), the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), and the Care Network for Persons with Disabilities (Living without limits). Methods: The ordinances were analyzed from three structural axes: i) assistance profile of the financed elements, with observation of the components and equipment, inputs and actions; ii) the amount of financial resources available for each of the financed elements, broken down into investments and operating costs; and iii) the accountability of each of the federative entities in the financing and execution of the resource. Results: The analysis allows the identification of three main aspects in the transfer of federal financial resources to subnational entities: i) preponderance of resources for specialized care, whose productive configuration requires economies of scale, with a tendency to focus on municipalities that are more central; ii) induction to compromising the resources, whether financial or not, of the subnational entities; and iii) great fragmentation in financial transferring. Conclusion: The financing of the thematic networks, in addition to favoring the medical model of health care through the priority transfer of resources to medium- and high-complexity health care, seems to tend to the privileged regions.