O programa de saúde da família em São Paulo

Abstract

IN THIS ARTICLE the Family Health Program (FHP) is described. The FHP was carried out in little and poor communites of Northeastern Brazil with amazing results, such as cutting down to a half infant mortality and improving all health programs. As recently as three years ago none of the Brazilian megalopolis had adopted it. Today an agreement between São Paulo's State Health Department and some non-profit organizations has made it possible to bring FHP to the city of São Paulo, where there are presently 81 teams, each comprizing one physician, one nurse, some nursing assistants and community agents, and tending from 800 to 1.200 families. In this paper some other concepts are also highlighted, such as community participation, health care quality and total health care, which includes mental care, dentistry and childbearing assistance. Specialized services give support and perform laboratory tests when necessary. Estimated costs are R$ 63.60 per capita/year. The author concludes for the feasibility of Qualis/FHP, provided all government levels honor their commitment to finance the health system as they should and can do.