The present article is a longitudinal analysis of the Brazilian experience with the Family Health Program (PSF) throughout its 12 years of implementation. The article starts with the fundamental purpose of such strategy which is the reorganization of Basic Health Care, contextualizing in the light of this unique and peculiar experience to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). It highlights the progresses and challenges of the PSF, indicating urgent needs regarding technological incorporation, formation of labor force, establishment of new mechanisms as well as agreements on basic care funds and the direction of new strategies and technologies in the process of monitoring and evaluation. To conclude, the article shows the elements to foster a debate about such questions, which must be permanent and lucid in the perspective of building the Brazilian Unified Health System and the right to health.
Primary care; Basic Care; Family Health; Brazilian Unified Health System
