Contribuições do trabalho médico-missionário ao Projeto Montes Claros e ao Sistema Único de Saúde

Abstract

This study analyzes the legacy of the Luzeiro medical-missionary project (1931), in the Brazilian Amazon, and its contribution to the creation of the Luminar Project (1956), in the São Francisco river valley, the consequent elaboration and implementation of the Institute for Preparation and Research for the Development of Rural Health Assistance (IPPEDASAR, 1971–1974), and the shaping of the relevant Montes Claros Project (PMC, 1975–1977); as well as how it indirectly influenced the formation of the Unified Health System (SUS) in 1988, which results from multiple historical forces. The Luzeiro Project is highlighted, as it established a model of itinerant river-based medical care with multiprofessional teams, focused both on the treatment of endemic diseases and on health education and prevention. The connection with the expansion of medical-missionary boats across various river basins in the country is presented, including in the São Francisco river valley region, with the prominent participation of Leslie Charles Scofield Junior. It is concluded that the Adventist medical-missionary work in Brazil contributed to the construction of the public health system through these initiatives, which filled gaps and developed integrated care networks, remaining relevant to the current challenges of health equity.