The Brazilian National Congress and public health emergencies

Abstract

The response of the Brazilian Legislative Branch to four recent public health emergencies is analyzed through quali-quantitative documentary held in legislative information databases of the National Congress. It was observed that this response was characterized by public statements (of denunciation, requests for action, criticism and praise to the actions of the Executive Branch) and by the overseeing of these activities through information requests, convening authorities and public hearings. The lawmaking, however, was negligible, restricted to the approval of propositions for supplemental budget resources from the Executive Branch initiative. Few bills of parliamentary initiative approached the problem and were approved. We conclude that the inefficient actuation of health authorities in coping with public health emergencies is caused by the neglect of the Legislative Branch, so the Executive Branch should probably overcome the problem.