The role of the state government in the institutional arrangement for the implementation of the More Doctors for Brazil Project: an analysis in the state of Minas Gerais

Abstract

The literature evidences the growing central coordinating role played by the federal government in health policy. However, there is little research on the role of subnational entities, especially state governments. This article analyzes the institutional arrangement for the implementation of the More Doctors for Brazil Project in the state of Minas Gerais. The study drew on data from a documentary analysis of 31 minutes of meetings of the State Coordinating Commission and eight interviews with key actors responsible for the implementation of the project. The results highlight: (i) Centralized Project decision-making at federal level; (ii) Lack of clarity with regard to the role of the state government in the implementation arrangement; (iii) A state government funding crisis; and (iv) Political instability, which result in (v) Changes in the state and federal government. These combined factors had a negative impact on project implementation capacity in Minas Gerais.

Keywords
Institutional arrangement; State capacity; Implementation of public policies; More Doctors Program