HEALTH INEQUITIES IN BRAZIL: PERSPECTIVES FOR A MORE JUST UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM

Abstract

Considering the persistence of social, economic, and territorial inequalities that limit the realization of the right to health in Brazil, this study problematizes how inequities influence access to and quality of services within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). The objective is to analyze health inequities across Brazil, considering the social, economic, and territorial determinants that influence access to services, as well as to discuss perspectives for strengthening a more equitable SUS. To this end, an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library databases, employing DeCS and MeSH descriptors related to the topic, with a final selection of seven studies according to pre-established criteria. Thus, it is observed that health inequities stem from the interaction between structural inequalities, unequal distribution of resources, and limitations in the organization of the healthcare network, demonstrating territorial, social, and institutional barriers that compromise access to and continuity of care. It is also observed that, although primary health care expands initial access, gaps in the comprehensiveness of care persist, especially in vulnerable regions. This leads to the conclusion that overcoming these inequalities requires strengthening public funding, improving management, reorganizing the territory of care, and incorporating social determinants into policy formulation, aiming at consolidating a fairer and more equitable Unified Health System (SUS).