Equity and reform in health services system: the case of Unified Health System of Brazil

Abstract

This paper aimed to answer the following question: Is SUS a public policy of equity promotion? In this direction, it presents previous thoughts on some terms, especially on the concepts of equity and on SUS. A brief review is carried out on sector's reforms in order to discuss the Brazilian Sanitary Reform. Also, a summary of health inequalities profile in the country is given. It concludes by examining some efforts for the reduction of these inequalities by formulating the hypothesis that SUS can promote equity in the direction of justice without compromising its universal and egalitarian character.