This article presents research results on implementation of the Family Health Program (PSF) in large cities of Brazi!. lt discusses some of the specific difficulties in restructuring the health care model in large cities and in the adoption of the Programo lt thus serves as an introduction to the theme of this edition of Physis, analyzed in detail in the subsequent articles. The Brazilian Ministry of Health chose the Family Health Program as its strategy for transforming prevailing health care models. Almost ten years after the Program was launched, there is a great heterogeneity in its implementation around the country, with minimum coverage in large municipalities, especiany in the State capitals. Expansion of the PSF to the large cities is a condition both for attaining higher population coverage and for the Program to actuany become a key element in transforming the country's health care model.
Public policy; health in large cities; health policy; Family Health Program (PSF)