O SUS E A SAÚDE COLETIVA: CONQUISTAS E OBSTÁCULOS NA ASSISTÊNCIA À POPULAÇÃO

Abstract

The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) represents one of the greatest achievements in the history of Brazilian public policies, as a universal and free health system aimed at promoting comprehensive and equitable access to health services. This study aimed to analyze the main achievements and challenges faced by SUS in providing assistance to the Brazilian population, focusing on identifying strategies to strengthen its sustainability and efficiency. Through a qualitative and exploratory approach, a bibliographic review was conducted in recognized academic databases such as Scielo, PubMed, Lilacs, and Google Scholar, using keywords related to health access, financing, regional inequalities, and intersectoral integration. The results revealed substantial progress in expanding access and improving primary health care, promoting greater inclusion of historically marginalized groups. However, persistent challenges were identified, such as insufficient funding, regional disparities in access, and fragmentation in the management of health services. Furthermore, key strategies for strengthening SUS include promoting intersectoral policies, valuing community participation, and improving professional training and qualification. Thus, this study contributes to understanding the complexities surrounding the Brazilian health system, providing insights for the development of more effective and integrated policies that promote greater equity and efficiency in serving the population.