Health Regionalization in Minas Gerais: An Analysis of the Perception of Representatives of Regional Inter-managerial Commissions

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the perception of representatives of Regional Inter-managerial Commissions on the process of health regionalization in the State of Minas Gerais. Interviews were conducted with representatives of 10 state health regions. The data, analyzed through IRAMUTEQ software, generated a dendogram with two thematic axes. The first axis, called "The role of CIR and key actors in the regional governance process", was subdivided into classes 4, 3 and 2, which addressed, respectively, the role of the Council of Municipal Health Secretaries supporters in the Commissions; the Commissions as a space for agreement on regional actions; the actors involved in the governance of the health region. The second, called "Organization of assistance in the care networks" was subdivided into classes 5, 1 and 6, which described, respectively, care gaps in the health regions; weaknesses and potentialities of the regionalization process; difficulties in providing medium and high complexity services. Health regionalization in Minas Gerais, despite successful strategies, brings great challenges. Insufficient financing of the SUS in a scenario of political disputes and resource fragmentation undermines the provision of care in health regions. It is a process still under construction.

Keywords:
Regional Health Planning; Unified Health System; governance; decentralization; health services