Advances and challenges of the national palliative care policy in Brazil

Abstract

Dear Editor and readers, Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing serious illness, preventing and relieving suffering through early identification and treatment of pain and physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems. In Brazil, where the need for such care is alarming, approximately one million Brazilians need palliative care, but the supply is insufficient. Most services are concentrated in large urban centers, leaving many people without the necessary support, facing pain that could be mitigated with adequate treatment. The promulgation of Ordinance GM No. 3681, which establishes the National Palliative Care Policy in the Unified Health System (SUS), represents a significant step in the regulation and expansion of this care, providing a legal basis for the development of specialized services. In order to effectively implement the National Palliative Care Policy, several challenges need to be overcome, including training health professionals and combating the stigma related to this care. Currently, there is a significant gap in the training of doctors and other professionals in palliative care, resulting in inadequate assistance. The policy provides for the implementation of palliative care by matrix and care teams throughout the country, but it is crucial to increase investment in material, technological and educational resources. Only with a joint effort by managers, health professionals and civil society will it be possible to guarantee dignified and humanized care for all patients in need of palliative care in Brazil.