A two-year experience in management of the Health System (Sistema Unificado e Descentralizado de Saúde - SUDS) in the State of Bahia is reported from the perspective of the Health State Department. Analysis is made on the basis of the development of resources infrastructure, policy and management and on the reorganization of the health care model. Despite its difficulties, the management of SUDS-Bahia corresponded to the materialization of a new health policy which was radically distinct from the preceding ones, since it had as the main landmark the start of the Sanitary Reform process. It is remarked that gathering facts on this mother from other States and Counties may contribute to the establishment of the Sanitary Reform process.