Abstract

MARSIGLIA, Regina M. G.; SILVEIRA, Cássio  and  CARNEIRO JUNIOR, Nivaldo. Social policies: inequity, universality and focalization in health within Brazil. Saude soc. [online]. 2005, vol.14, n.2, pp. 69-76. ISSN 0104-1290.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902005000200008.

This article aims to contribute to the debate concerning social policies in health and the elaboration of viable strategies for organizing health services, extending them to areas that are not currently covered and consequently, transforming present conditions of population's health. Having these goals in mind, it proposes a reflection on the significance of current policies and their repercussions with respect to the conceptions of universality and focalization. The relevance of health concepts and practices, established over the last few years, towards establishing a decrease in the problems of inequity and poverty is also discussed. This analysis is based on a reflection concerning the experience of implementing the Family Health Program in the central area of the city of Sao Paulo, its repercussions as well as the necessary adjustments made. This, in turn led to broader queries with respect to the characteristics and qualities that should constitute such a program according to the specificities of each region of the country. The paper concludes by affirming that the principle of universality has contributed towards an increase in access to health services, but does not create the conditions for establishing equity, for which a reformulation and adaptation of current health programs and policies are required.

Keywords : Health Policies; Universality; Focalization; Family Health Program.