Integrative and Complementary Practices in Health: the (in)complete construction of the policy in a large city in Brazil

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to analyze the process of implementation, the current situation and perspectives of the Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Anthroposophical Medicine Program (PRHOAMA) in public health service in Belo Horizonte (Brazil) considering the guidelines of the National Policy for Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC). The case study was carried out through document analysis of 32 official texts, secondary data (number of professionals and procedures offered) in health information systems and a focus group with professionals of PRHOAMA. The program was implemented in 1994, in Basic Health Units (UBS), configuring itself as a pioneering experience in Brazil. Practices are performed exclusively by physicians, which diverges from the recommendations of the PNPIC, whose recommended the ideal model is multi-professional. PRHOAMA’s institutionalization process is partial, not constituting a consolidated public policy. PRHOAMA complies with the PNPIC guidelines, such as emphasis on Primary Care, dissemination and information about Complementary Therapies. However, it is necessary to advance in the promotion of access to homeopathic medicines, in the definition of financing mechanisms and in the expansion of the management team and professionals.

KEYWORDS
Complementary therapies; Primary Health Care; Public health; Health policy