The directions of the Brazilian State and the Unified Health System: social security as a society and State public policy

Abstract

From a brief historical review of the construction of the social security policy in Brazil starting at the first government of Getulio Vargas, the author analyses the recent evolution, highlighting the new Constitution of 1988 and the years 1990. Fiscal constraints from that period are examined, as well as their consequences on social security and on health, in particular. In the conclusion directions for the implementation of a universal and democratic national health policy are presented. On the other hand, conservative options of economic policy adopted at the country and its impact on human health and on social policies are discussed.